Those of us who live in Jackson Hole have been partial to the bison for many years. During the summer, on a drive down the Kelly Road or up to the north entrance of Grand Teton National Park you will undoubtedly find a herd along the road with throngs of tourists pulled over to take pictures.
The bison calves are also one of the first signs of spring here in the valley. The little “Red Dogs” as nicknamed by the Native Indians, are a sure sign the valley is coming back to life and they are a delight to watch as they kick up their heels and frolic in the sagebrush.
The bison recently received a long overdue honor. On May 9, 2016, President Obama signed into law the National Bison Legacy Act, officially making the American bison the national mammal of the United States.
The bison is one of America’s greatest conservation success stories. Today there are 17 herds, approximately 10,000 bison in 12 states. Before their near extermination, an estimated 30 to 60 million bison ranged from Canada to northern Mexico and from the Plains to the Eastern forests. By 1890, due to reduced habitat and excessive hunting, only 1000 bison remained, including two dozen in Yellowstone National Park.
In 1905 Teddy Roosevelt formed the American Bison Society with William Hornaday to save the disappearing bison. Bison were taken to the New York City Zoo and to a refuge in Oklahoma to help protect them and ensure a growing herd. Thanks to the work of Roosevelt and countless others, there are now bison in all 50 states.
Here are some fun facts about our National Animal:
1. There is often confusion whether it is called a bison or a buffalo. The North American and scientific name is bison. Some people think the term buffalo came from the French word for beef (boeuf), or soldiers who fought in the Philippine war who frequently encountered water buffalo and used the term upon their return.
2. Bison are the largest mammal in North America. The bulls can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall. The cows weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach of high of 4-5 feet. Bison calves weigh 30-70 pounds at birth.
3. Bison are near-sighted. But their excellent sense of smell and hearing make up for what they can’t see. The common grunting sound heard from bison is cows and their calves communicating, and during mating season the bulls bellow can be heard across long distances.
4. Do not under any circumstances approach a bison, they are a wild animal and fast. A bison can run up to 35 miles per hour and they are extremely agile. They can jump up to 6 feet, clearing fences with ease. They can also spin around quickly to combat predators.
5. Watch the tail. If a bison’s tail is standing straight up, this is cautionary sign that they may charge at any moment. Typically when it hangs down and switches naturally the animal is calm. Unfortunately each year in Grand Teton and Yellowstone we see and hear of visitors who get too close and are gored, head butted or trampled by these massive animals. Please keep your distance. If that isn't enough of a warning, did you know you can be fined for being too close to a wild animal in the Park?
6. A bison typically lives for 10-20 year but some live to be older.
7. Have you ever seen a bison roll around in the dirt? It’s called wallowing and it helps them shed their fur and get rid of pesky flies. A male bison will also wallow to leave his scent behind and display his strength during mating season.
8. Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the U.S. where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. The bison are also pure descendants of their ancestors who roamed our country – meaning they are free of cattle genes. Today, approximately 4,900 bison inhabit Yellowstone, the largest herd on public lands.
This summer as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of our National Park Service, aside from the spectacular vistas these Parks provide, we can also be thankful they provided a sanctuary for our National Mammal, the Bison.
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