These animals are large-hoofed mammals belonging to the bovine family. It has two main species namely the European bison or wisent, and the North American bison or the buffalo. Buffalos are slightly smaller than the wisents.



Buffaloes also have subspecies namely plain bison which is identified for its flat back and the wood bison, known for its humped back.

Not so long ago, bison herds could be found roaming in the wilds of Europe. The European bison is one among the many mammals in Europe that has survived. However, bisons nearly faced extinction in the 1800s due to hunting and the changing ecosystem. Bisons living in the wilds became extinct in 1900s for the same reasons.

The American bison or buffalo, which originated in Eurasia, can be found in the United States and in Canada. This may be the reason why bison was used as the symbol of Manitoba and of many offices in Canada.

The existing bisons today were descended from 13 of about fifty bisons surviving in captivity. Some of these were released into the wild, as their numbers continue to grow. To keep growing, there exists 200 breeding center of bison in 27 countries. They are hard to breed though, as they usually produce only one offspring in every conception period of 9 and half months.

Today, bisons can be found in Poland, Belarus and other parts of Europe, the British Isles, Asia and North America. A newly-born bison can already weigh as much as 65 pounds and can reach up to 3000 pounds as it matures. It has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

Bisons are very adaptable animals. In winter, they grow thick mantles on the head to keep them warm. During summer, the same mantles are discarded to keep them cool.

These animals live in herds for their protection. The herd, consisting of up to 50 animals, is the bison's protection and defense against predators.

Bisons are very attractive to hunters because of its many uses, such as:

1. Its meat can be eaten and it is even better than beef as it is low in cholesterol and fats.

2. The bison's hooves can be made into glue by boiling them.

3. Its skin can be used as leather for belts and rugs.

4. Its dung, when dried, can be used to create fire.

However, bisons were not only the target of hunters because of its diverse uses. The mammals were also killed because owners of railroad tracks paid the hunters to get rid of the bisons. Bison herds can easily damage not only the railroad tracks but also the passing trains.

While the bison population has greatly increased due to serious breeding activities, the existing 350 thousand bisons today is still a small population compared to their estimated population of 100 million decades ago. At least 250 thousand of the present population of the bison is raised for consumption.