American bison
In the New World zone, watch it coexisting with black bears.
The giant of the plains
Bison once roamed the plains of North America. Their population plummeted from 60 million at the time of European arrival to just 1,500 by 1885, decimated by white settlers (including the infamous Buffalo Bill) in an effort to starve the Native Americans. Today, they are found only in certain protected areas such as Yellowstone.
Mating takes place from early July through mid-September. The female gives birth to a calf between May and June.
IUCN status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN)
Description
Bison bison
Cattle
500 kg to 1 ton
1,5 to 2 m
Plains of America
Near threatended
20 to 30 years old
A coat adapted to extreme temperatures
This animal is very well adapted to harsh climates, as it can survive temperatures as low as -40°C thanks to its thick fur and fat reserves.
Food
It feeds on herbaceous plants, sedges, rushes, and lichens.
