About the American Bison (Buffalo):
The Bison stands some 5 to 6.5 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) tall at
the shoulder, and can tip the scales at over a ton (907
kilograms) - up to 2200 lbs! Despite their massive size, bison
are quick on their feet. When the need arises they can run at
speeds up to 40 miles (65 kilometers) an hour. They sport
curved, sharp horns that may grow to be two feet (61
centimeters) long.
These large grazers feed on plains grasses, herbs, shrubs, and
twigs. They regurgitate their food and chew it as cud before
final digestion.
Females (cows) and adult males (bulls) generally live in small,
separate bands and come together in very large herds during the
summer mating season. Males battle for mating primacy, but such
contests rarely turn dangerous. Females give birth to one calf
after a nine-month pregnancy.
Bison once covered the Great Plains and much of North America,
and were critically important to Plains Indian societies. During
the 19th century, settlers killed some 50 million bison for
food, sport, and to deprive Native Americans of their most
important natural asset. The once enormous herds were reduced to
only a few hundred animals. Today, bison numbers have rebounded
somewhat, and about 200,000 bison live on preserves and ranches
where they are raised for their meat.*
*From National Geographic's website.
Common Buffalo Hunting Methods:
Rifle is the most common, although some brave souls use bow and
arrow and black powder. The "spot and stalk" method of
hunting works best, as the bison's vision is rather poor.
They can certainly smell you and hear you coming, so be sure to
follow all the proper hunting guidelines for odor and sound
control. The American Buffalo/Bison is highly valued for
its delicious meat and beautiful pelt. They are a symbol
of American History and are also prized mounts.
Interesting Facts about Buffalo/Bison:
An adult buffalo can eat up to 35 pounds of food each day.
They are the largest terrestrial animal in the US and Canada.
They have truly amazing speed and have been seen sprinting up to
30 miles per hour.
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