Bison Quiz

Photo Credit: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources / CC BY 3.0

Bison Crosses the Firehole River
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Buffalo are an important symbol in Native American culture. It is said that the bison provides the good things for those living as well as sacredness...
wisdom, renewal and personal power based on knowledge.1

The estimates for historical numbers of bison in America vary incredibly (typically from 30 million to 60 million and beyond). Today's scientists and range managers have attempted to zero in on an accurate number by studying the carrying capacity of the grasslands that sustained the bison.

It seems very likely that the high estimates could not have been possible given the actual volume of food that would have been available to early bison herds. A number more in the upper range of 20 million to 30 million seems much more reasonable given what is known about the weather patterns and prairie conditions of those times.

Courtesy of Creative Commons - Photo Credit:jamiedfw

Bison are thought to have rich social relationships. Perhaps the deepest, or longest, relationship is that which exists between a bison cow and her female calf. While a male calf is weaned at six-seven months of age, a female calf may remain with her mother until she herself gives birth for the first time (typically at the age of three).2

The Flehmen Response in animals is a scenting reaction. The lip is drawn up to help direct molecules to a sensory receiver called the Jacobson's organ. In bison, that organ is in the roof of the mouth. Flehming helps a bison bull determine if a female is in estrus and potentially receptive to breeding.

Bison heifers reach sexual maturity at two years of age. Their first calf is typically born when they are three years of age, after a 9.5 month gestation (approximately 285 days). Normally, healthy and well-nourished bison cows will produce one calf annually over a lifespan of 18-25 years.

Despite its immense size and weight, a bison can run faster than a horse, turn on a dime, and jump over a six-foot fence. Bison have been observed making six-foot vertical jumps from a stand still. They can also perform impressive horizontal long jumps well in excess of seven feet. Cattle guards won't necessarily keep a bison contained, as they can easily leap over them. Bison are also powerful swimmers.

Bison wallow, rolling on the ground, to give themselves a dust bath. No one knows for sure all of the reasons why bison wallow, but it is presumed from observation that wallowing provides relief from biting insects and parasites. Bulls wallow as a part of their breeding season behavior. Additionally, it is thought that wallowing may provide some relief in hot weather.

A healthy, full-size bison is not threatened by much. Calves and weakened adults, cows more than bulls, and the old more than the young, are preyed upon by wolves and grizzly bears. A pack of wolves can take down a bison that is not at full strength.

Bison meat is considered a healthy alternative to other red meats. Bison is much leaner than beef, as well as lower in cholesterol and calories. Bison meat has also been proven to be nutritionally dense with protein and other beneficial minerals.

1. Native American Symbolism - Buffalo
2. Lott, Dale F. (2002) American Bison. A Natural History. University of California Press.

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Have you ever experienced the thunder of 4,600 bison hooves moving in rhythm to the pounding of your heart? If not, I encourage you to seek out and visit a bison herd. In preparation for publishing this web page, I traveled to the annual bison roundup at Custer State Park in South Dakota.

How to describe what I felt as a herd of 1,200 bison stampeded full speed past the hill where I watched in wonder? The separation between my generation and that of the first nations seemed to disappear. As the bison flowed as one, powerful as a river in springtime, I felt the rush of their energy, and that of those who drew life from the Great Plains.

And then there was the awe. Immense and overflowing. I will be entranced and energized by this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience for the rest of my life.