American Bison

The American Bison is a large, herbivorous mammal native to North America, known for its massive size, thick fur, and prominent shoulder hump. Once numbering in the tens of millions across the Great Plains, their population dramatically declined due to hunting and habitat loss in the 19th century. Today, conservation efforts have helped restore their numbers, making them a symbol of the American wilderness and Indigenous heritage. Bison play a crucial ecological role by grazing and maintaining grassland health, and they are also valued culturally and economically for their meat and other products.