National Bison Day, on the first Saturday in November, honors one of the most majestic beasts to roam the land.
The official National Mammal of the United States, the iconic North American Bison, has played a cultural, economic and environmental role in the history of the country. Central to the livelihood of Native Americans, they are also a healthy food source and vital to religious ceremonies.
The bison is the largest land mammal in North America, with males weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing up to 6 feet tall. While cows may be smaller at 1,000 pounds and up to 5 feet tall, they're still mighty powerful. However, Bison only live up to 20 years.
The dark brown to black, thick shaggy coat of the full-grown bison keeps them warm during long, cold winters on the plains. When they're born, the calves sport a reddish coat.
The bison is the largest land mammal in North America, with males weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing up to 6 feet tall. While cows may be smaller at 1,000 pounds and up to 5 feet tall, they're still mighty powerful. However, Bison only live up to 20 years.
The dark brown to black, thick shaggy coat of the full-grown bison keeps them warm during long, cold winters on the plains. When they're born, the calves sport a reddish coat.
Since 2012, a movement launched officially recognizing the American bison as the national mammal of the United States. Organizers included making National Bison Day the first Saturday of November. The United States Senate signed resolutions yearly supporting the passage of such a proclamation. On May 9, 2016, President Barack Obama signed the law making the American bison the national mammal of the United States.
