In the 1800s, bison numbers went from tens of millions to just a few hundred due to hunting and habitat loss. It’s one of the most dramatic population collapses in North American history.

Bison are indeed the largest land mammals in North America, with males (bulls) sometimes weighing over 2,000 pounds!

Bison can run up to 35–40 mph (56–64 km/h), which is faster than most horses at a sprint. They might look bulky, but they’re surprisingly quick—especially when spooked.

Bison can run up to 35–40 mph (56–64 km/h), which is faster than most horses at a sprint. They might look bulky, but they’re surprisingly quick—especially when spooked.

That massive hump on a bison’s back is made of muscle and vertebrae over their shoulders, which helps them plow snow in winter and support their huge heads for grazing.

Bison are herbivores and primarily graze on grasses and sedges, which make up most of their diet. They can eat a huge amount—up to 30 kg (about 66 lbs) of grass per day!

Today, wild bison herds are mainly found in North American plains and protected areas like national parks (e.g., Yellowstone). These areas help them graze naturally and maintain ecological balance.