American Bison (Bison bison)

The American Bison (Bison bison) is a powerful, and majestic animal. They inhabit plains, prairies, and river valleys. Open or somewhat open grasslands, sagebrush, semiarid plains, and scrublands make up the typical habitat. There is historical evidence that bison once lived in some sparsely forested areas. Additionally, bison graze in mountainous or hilly regions with gentle slopes.

Bison are herbivores, grazing on the grasses and sedges of the North American prairies. On a typical day, they go to a new place to graze for another two hours before resting and chewing cud. By the age of two or three years, sexually mature young bulls may attempt to begin mating with cows, but if more experienced bulls are present, they might not be able to compete until they are five years old. For the first two months of life, calves are lighter in color than mature bison. One very rare condition is the white buffalo, in which the calf turns entirely white.