Quick answer
The American bison is North America's largest land mammal, with big bulls weighing up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and standing nearly 2 m (6 ft) at the shoulder. Once numbering in the tens of millions across the Great Plains, bison were hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s and now live mostly in parks and reserves. They are grazing herbivores that roam grasslands in herds and can run up to 55 km/h (35 mph). Wild bison typically live 15 to 20 years.
Key takeaway
The American bison is North America's largest land mammal, with big bulls weighing up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and standing nearly 2 m (6 ft) at the shoulder. Once numbering in the tens of millions across the Great Plains, bison were hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s and now live mostly in parks and reserves. They are grazing herbivores that roam grasslands in herds and can run up to 55 km/h (35 mph). Wild bison typically live 15 to 20 years.
Overview
The American bison is North America's largest land mammal, with big bulls weighing up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and standing nearly 2 m (6 ft) at the shoulder. Once numbering in the tens of millions across the Great Plains, bison were hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s and now live mostly in parks and reserves. They are grazing herbivores that roam grasslands in herds and can run up to 55 km/h (35 mph). Wild bison typically live 15 to 20 years.
Biology
American Bison (Bison bison) is classified as Mammal with conservation status Near Threatened. Typical weight 450–1,000 kg (1,000–2,200 lb); lifespan around 15–20 years in the wild.
Ecology
Diet: Herbivore (grazer). Habitat: Grasslands, plains, and prairies. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.
People and this species
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Further reading
See the full American Bison profile for FAQs, taxonomy, and related guides on this site.
Behavior and herds
Bison are social animals that live in herds, with cows and young in one group and bulls often in smaller bachelor groups or alone outside the breeding season. During the summer rut, bulls bellow, wallow in dust, and clash heads to compete for mates. Despite their bulk, bison are surprisingly fast and agile, capable of sprinting at 55 km/h (35 mph) and jumping fences. They use wallows, shallow dust pits, to deter insects and shed fur.
Diet and grazing
Bison are grazing herbivores that feed mainly on grasses and sedges, moving across the plains as they crop vegetation. Their grazing shapes grassland ecosystems, promoting plant diversity and creating habitat for other species. They have a multi-chambered stomach that ferments tough plant material, and they ruminate, chewing cud, to extract nutrients. In winter they use their massive heads to sweep snow aside and reach buried grass.
History and near extinction
Before European settlement, an estimated 30 to 60 million bison roamed North America in vast herds. In the 1800s they were slaughtered on an enormous scale for hides, meat, and as part of efforts to displace Native American peoples, leaving only a few hundred animals by 1900. Conservation efforts, including protection in Yellowstone National Park, saved the species from extinction. Today bison are a powerful symbol of American wildlife and conservation.
Conservation today
The American bison is listed as Near Threatened, with around 500,000 animals, though most are managed in commercial herds rather than free-ranging wild populations. Genetically pure, conservation herds are far smaller and a focus of recovery efforts. Restoring bison to native grasslands helps rebuild prairie ecosystems. In 2016 the bison was named the national mammal of the United States.
Research notes
Figures for american bisons (Bison bison) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter american bisons in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Near Threatened) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
American Bison: Key Facts & Natural History?
The American bison is North America's largest land mammal, with big bulls weighing up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) and standing nearly 2 m (6 ft) at the shoulder. Once numbering in the tens of millions across the Great Plains, bison were hunted nearly to extinction in the 1800s and now live mostly in parks and reserves. They are grazing herbivores that roam grasslands in herds and can run up to 55 km/h (35 mph). Wild bison typically live 15 to 20 years.
What is the scientific name of the american bison?
Bison bison
What do american bisons eat?
Herbivore (grazer)
Where do american bisons live?
Grasslands, plains, and prairies
Are american bisons endangered?
Listed here as Near Threatened. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.