10 Facts about Bison
By: Henry Palmer
1. Bison are the largest land animal in North America. A male bison, or bull, can reach a weight of 2400 lbs. A female bison, or cow, weighs between 900-1200 lbs. Bison range in heights between 5 and 6.5 feet tall.
2. All bison have horns, not just the males, which they use to help forage for food and for defense.
3. Bison can live up to 25 years old.
4. Bison consume approximately 30 lbs. of roughage a day.
5. Bison need approximately 30 acres per animal to roam and feed on. They are not stationary while feeding, but rather continually move as they consume prairie grasses and roughage thus preventing overgrazing.
6. Female bison, or cows, typically begin calving at 3 years of age. They will have on average 1 calf per year for up to 17 years, with a gestation period of 9½ months. A calf will stay with its mother for 2 years if possible.
7. Bison spend time in family units within the herd, usually numbering between 12-24 individuals. Bulls, however, are only typically found in the herd during breeding season.
8. Bison on average can run up to 30mph. Their speed along with their incredible size can make bison a formidable force for predators.
9. Bison will grow a new coat annually. Their coat is made up of course outer guard hairs and a soft undercoat. Bison need their thick coats to help protect them from severe weather during long winters.
10. Bison are a keystone species of the Great Plains and critical to the health of the prairie ecosystem. Their presence in an area allows the land and other species to thrive.
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