It’s hard to miss seeing a herd of mammals weighing in at nearly 2,000 lbs. Buffalo or Bison are the largest mammals in North America. These herbivores feast on grass 9-11 hours a day. They can live to be 20 years old.

At one time there were 30-60 million Buffalo roaming North America. They were found in the eastern states and the vast prairies of the west. Two massive migrating herds were found in the Great Plains. Native peoples’ lives depended on this huge natural resource. 

Bison symbolizes one of the greatest wildlife management stories ever told. At the end of the 1800’s there were fewer than 300 buffalo left. They were found in Yellowstone Park and eastern Montana. Without incredible support from Native Peoples, hunters, and conservationists, Buffalo would be extinct. 

Tourists are routinely being attacked by these unpredictable and huge critters. Yellowstone Park holds 4-6,000 Buffalo. They roam where they want because at 2,000 lbs. they can. They may look like furry cows, but these beasts are surprisingly agile and can run 35-40 miles per hour. Their sharp horns can quickly gore a predator or” Touron”. If you see the tail of the Buffalo raise its tail, they may be about to charge. Their sense of smell and hearing are excellent, but Buffalo are nearsighted. 

Today, Buffalo can be found in all 50 states! Many are in domesticated herds and on private ranches. There are several large herds on public lands and parks, but no Bison are truly “Free Roaming”. These large critters can quickly overpopulate in their downsized habitats and need to be culled when the population exceeds the lands Carrying Capacity. 

The latest Bison Census determined that about 500,000 Buffalo live in the US. Some are wild but most are domesticated. The largest population can be found in South Dakota where about 30,000 critters live. 

• Nebraska    28,000
• Montana    about 20,000 
• Wyoming    10,000
• Texas    7,500
• Kansas and Wisconsin   5,700
• Pennsylvania     1,251
• New Jersey    100
• Maryland    43
• Missouri    8

Some American Buffalo can also be found in Europe. Cape and Water Buffalo are not related to American Bison. This means that “Tourons” can demonstrate their idiocy in places other than Yellowstone Park. 

No Bull!

Montana Grant