Welcome to the World of Plains Bison
Plains Bison
Bison bison bison
Also known as: American bison, buffalo
Average lifespan: 15–20 years
Primary habitat: Grasslands and prairies
Geographic range: North America
Overview
The plains bison is the largest land mammal in North America and a powerful symbol of the continent’s grasslands. Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison were nearly driven to extinction before conservation efforts brought them back. Today, they play an essential role in maintaining healthy prairie ecosystems.
What It Looks Like
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Massive body with a large shoulder hump
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Thick brown fur, especially around the head and shoulders
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Short, curved horns
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Broad head with a heavy beard
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Stocky legs built for strength and endurance
How It Behaves
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Highly social and lives in herds
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Active during the day and night
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Migrates seasonally in search of food
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Uses dust wallows to deter insects
What It Eats
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Grasses and sedges
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Herbs and flowering plants
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Strictly herbivorous grazer
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Feeds for many hours each day
Life Cycle
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Breeding occurs in late summer
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Gestation lasts about 9.5 months
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Females give birth to a single calf
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Calves can stand and walk within hours
Survival Skills
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Thick fur for insulation
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Strong muscles for long-distance travel
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Ability to endure extreme weather
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Herd behavior for protection
Fast Facts
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Largest land mammal in North America
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Can run up to 35 miles per hour
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Once nearly extinct due to overhunting
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National mammal of the United States
Conservation
Plains bison are keystone species of North American grasslands, shaping prairie ecosystems through grazing, trampling, and nutrient cycling that supports diverse plant and animal life. Once nearly driven to extinction by overhunting and habitat loss, bison are still threatened by limited range, genetic isolation, disease management conflicts, and loss of native grasslands. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration, protected herds, tribal and public-land stewardship, and reconnecting bison to larger landscapes to restore both the species and the prairies they sustain.​