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Bison are broad and muscular with shaggy coats of long hair. They are native to North America and are the country's national mammal. Bison are nomadic grazers and travel in herds. They are typically peaceful but can be unpredictable and charge at any moment. They can move at speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph) and use their massive heads as battering rams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height | American bison: up to 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) European bison: up to 2.1 metres (6 feet 11 inches) |
| Length | American bison: up to 3.5 metres (11 feet 6 inches) European bison: up to 2.9 metres (9 feet 6 inches) |
| Weight | American bison: 400-1,270 kilograms (880-2,800 pounds) European bison: 800-1,000 kilograms (1,800-2,200 pounds) |
| Number of lumbar vertebrae | American bison: 4 European bison: 5 |
| Tail hair | American bison: less hair European bison: more hair |
| Horn direction | American bison: does not interlock European bison: interlocks through the plane of the face |
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What You'll Learn
American bison have shorter legs and a lower-hanging head
American bison are the largest terrestrial animals in North America. They are characterised by a hump over the front shoulders, slimmer hindquarters, and short, sharply pointed, hollow horns. Their legs are shorter than those of their European counterparts, and their necks are set differently, making them graze more and browse less.
The American bison's shorter legs give them a lower centre of gravity, which, combined with their weight, makes them extremely stable and difficult to knock over. This is further aided by their slimmer hindquarters, which allow them to turn and pivot with ease. The powerful hind legs of the bison are also used as a weapon, capable of killing or maiming with devastating effect.
The bison's massive head is another weapon, used as a battering ram. The shaggy head is the most heavily insulated part of their body, adapted to withstand blizzards as the animal stands facing into the wind. The neck, forelegs, and front parts of the body are also heavily insulated with a thick coat of long, dark hair. The rear part of the body is covered with much shorter hair.
The American bison's horns are short and curved, growing up to 60 cm (2 ft) long with a width of 90 cm (3 ft) to 124 cm (4 ft). Both male and female bison use their horns in fighting for status within the herd and for defence. During the mating season, male bison display their fitness by charging and butting heads with other bulls.
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European bison have five lumbar vertebrae, while American bison have four
The American bison and the European bison are the largest surviving terrestrial animals in North America and Europe, respectively. They are both artiodactyl ungulates, characterised by their large, heavy bodies, humped shoulders, small horns, and unpredictable nature. They also share a similarity in appearance to other bovines, such as cattle and buffalo. Despite these similarities, there are several differences between the two species, including size, appearance, and bone structure.
One of the most notable differences between the two species is the number of lumbar vertebrae they possess. European bison have five lumbar vertebrae, while American bison have only four. This difference is due to the fact that the first lumbar vertebra in the American bison has ribs attached to it, which are not present in the European bison. As a result, the first lumbar vertebra in the American bison is counted as an extra thoracic vertebra, while it is counted as a lumbar vertebra in the European bison.
The different numbers of lumbar vertebrae are reflective of the behavioural differences between the two species. American bison tend to graze more and browse less than their European counterparts. This is due to the fact that the American bison's head hangs lower than that of the European bison, which is better suited for grazing. Additionally, the anatomy of the European bison, with its additional lumbar vertebra, may allow for greater flexibility and manoeuvrability, which can be advantageous in fighting or escaping predators.
The European bison tends to live in more wooded areas with increased shrubs and bushes, while the American bison is typically found in grasslands and plains, such as the Great Plains in North America. The European bison also tends to be taller, while the American bison is heavier and has a hairier body, although its tail has less hair. These differences in size and appearance may also be related to the different numbers of lumbar vertebrae, as they can affect the overall structure and movement of the bison.
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European bison have more hair on their tails
Bison are large bovines with two surviving species: the American bison (Bison bison) and the European bison (Bison bonasus), also known as the wisent. Both species are typically artiodactyl (cloven-hooved) and have solid, muscular heads and necks. They are covered in brown shaggy fur, with long tails that have a furry tuft at the end.
European bison tend to be taller than their American cousins, with adults reaching up to 2.1 metres in height compared to 2 metres for American bison. European bison also weigh less, ranging from 800 to 1,000 kilograms, while American bison can weigh up to 1,270 kilograms. In terms of habitat, European bison favour forests and grasslands in Europe, while American bison are typically found in the grasslands and prairies of North America.
One notable difference between the two species is the amount of hair on their tails. European bison have more hair on their tails than American bison. This may be related to their respective habitats, as the additional hair could provide extra warmth for European bison in cooler forest environments. The tail hair may also serve as a visual signal, with the ability to convey information about the bison's mood and behaviour. For example, a bison with its tail standing straight up may be preparing to charge, while a hanging tail indicates calmness.
The tails of bison are not just important for communication but also for their swimming abilities. Despite their size, bison are excellent swimmers, and their tails, along with their heads and humps, remain above the water's surface when they swim. This adaptation allows them to navigate through water sources effectively without losing their sense of direction or balance.
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European bison are better at fighting due to their horns
The European bison, also known as the wisent, zubr, or colloquially as the European buffalo, is a species of bison native to Europe. It is the heaviest surviving wild land animal in Europe, with individuals in the past possibly being even larger than their modern-day descendants.
European bison are known for their powerful builds, with solid muscular heads and necks covered in brown shaggy fur. They use their strong heads and sharp, curved horns to defend themselves against predators and compete for mates during the breeding season. The horns of European bison point forward through the plane of their faces, which makes them more adept at fighting through the interlocking of horns, similar to domestic cattle. This gives them an advantage over their American cousins, who favour charging.
The distinctive horns of European bison calves begin to develop around two months of age, along with their distinctive shoulders and humps. These features are used in play fights, which help them develop the skills they will need for rutting during the breeding season. The rutting or mating season for bison lasts from June through September, with peak activity in July and August. During this time, older bulls rejoin the herd, and fights often occur between males competing for mates.
In addition to their horns, European bison also have massive heads that can be used as battering rams, effectively utilising the momentum produced by their large weight and speed. Their hind legs can also deliver powerful kicks that can kill or maim. These natural weapons, combined with their aggressive nature, have led early naturalists to describe them as dangerous, savage animals that fear no other creature except perhaps a brown bear or a pack of wolves.
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Bison are similar in appearance to cattle and true buffalo
Bison are often confused with buffalo, as both are large, horned, ox-like animals of the Bovidae family. However, there are two types of bison (American and European) and two types of buffalo (water buffalo and Cape buffalo). While buffalo are indigenous to South Asia and Africa, bison are found in North America and parts of Europe.
Bison and buffalo can be easily distinguished using the three H's: home, hump, and horns. Unlike buffalo, bison have a distinctive hump at the shoulders, which allows their head to function as a plow, clearing away snow in the winter. Bison also have shorter, sharper horns and thick beards, giving them a more hipster appearance.
Genetically, bison are more closely related to domestic cattle and yaks. Nuclear DNA evidence suggests that the two living bison species are each other's closest relatives. However, the mitochondrial DNA of European bison shows a closer relationship to domestic cattle and aurochs, possibly due to ancient introgression or incomplete lineage sorting. This genetic compatibility has led to hybridization between bison and cattle, with many buffalo" herds found to have cattle DNA.
Despite these differences, the terms "bison" and "buffalo" are often used interchangeably, especially in North America. The "American buffalo" is officially classified as a type of cattle by the US government, contributing to the confusion. Conservation efforts, such as the Inter Tribal Bison Council, aim to protect and restore bison herds while promoting cultural and spiritual values.
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Frequently asked questions
Bison are the largest surviving terrestrial mammals in North America and Europe, with adult American bison weighing between 880 and 2,800 pounds.
Yes, there are two surviving species of bison: the American bison and the European bison.
American bison tend to be shorter and stockier, with shorter legs and a lower-hanging head. They also have hairier bodies and less hair on their tails compared to European bison.
Yes, bison are genetically similar to yaks and taurine cattle, and they are distantly related to true buffalo.
Yes, bison are unpredictable and can charge at any moment. Their massive size and muscular build make them powerful and potentially dangerous animals.
