American Bison

Identification

The American bison is instantly recognizable by its massive frame, distinctive hump, and shaggy coat. Two subspecies exist: the plains bison, which is smaller with a more rounded hump, and the wood bison, the larger of the two with a taller, square hump. Male bison are significantly larger than females, with head-rump lengths reaching up to 3.5 meters for males and 2.85 meters for females. Heights at the shoulder can reach 186 to 201 centimeters. The species exhibits a shaggy, long, dark-brown winter coat that transitions to a lighter-weight, lighter-brown summer coat. The wood bison is one of the largest wild bovids in the world, surpassed only by the Asian gaur, with wild animals weighing up to 1,270 kilograms.

Range & habitat

American bison are endemic to North America. Historically, their range circa 9000 BC spanned the great bison belt—a vast grassland tract extending from Alaska south to the Gulf of Mexico and east to the Atlantic Seaboard, as far north as New York and south to Georgia. Once roaming in vast herds across these rich grasslands, the species was nearly driven to extinction in the 19th century. Following recovery efforts that began in the mid-20th century, bison now freely roam wild in several regions across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, primarily within national parks and reserves, though some populations are maintained in smaller natural areas as conservation herds. The species has also been introduced to Russia, with an established population in Ingilor Nature Park in Yakutia.

Behaviour & diet

As the heaviest herbivore in North America, bison are adapted to grazing on grasslands and are primarily herbivorous. Historically, American bison roamed in vast herds that were central to the lives of Indigenous peoples of the Great Plains for millennia, serving as a major resource for food, hides for clothing and shelter, and bones and horns for tools. The species has deep cultural and spiritual significance to Plains Indian nations, reflected in their languages—for example, in Lakota, male bison (tȟatȟáŋka) and female bison (pté) have distinct names rather than a single generic term, underscoring their special importance.

Best time & places to see it

American bison can be observed in national parks and reserves throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The resurgence to approximately 31,000 wild bison as of March 2019 means that populations are now more widely distributed than in the past century, when they were confined to a handful of protected areas. Visiting established bison ranges within national parks offers the best opportunities to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

Photography tips

The bison's imposing size and distinctive features—its massive hump, shaggy coat, and powerful build—make it a compelling photographic subject. The seasonal coat change from the darker, heavier winter coat to the lighter summer coat provides varied photographic opportunities throughout the year. Photographing bison in herds captures their historical significance, while close-ups reveal the texture and character of their coats and distinctive facial features. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for highlighting the animal's contours and the richness of its dark coloring.