American Bison

Bison are buffalo. They are in the sheep, goat, and cattle family.

What does a bison look like?

Bison are brown and black. They have shaggy fur. Bison are very large mammals. They have a big head with horns. Bison have short legs, but they run very fast.

Bison can be taller than a teacher. They can weigh as much as a car! The male is larger than the female.

 

In spring, a cow has one baby. It is called a calf. They are red and brown.

What do bison eat?

Bison eat grass. They eat five times a day. It is hard to find grass in the winter. They dig in the snow for grass.

Where can I find a bison?

Bison travel in groups. The groups are called herds. Herds can have more than 60 bison. Most of the bison were killed in the 1800s. Today, bison are found in parks.

Who are the friends and enemies of the bison?

Bison do not have many enemies. Sometimes wolves and bear eat calves. They also eat sick bison.

Developed by Annette Lamb and Larry Johnson, 6/99. Update4/02.