10 Interesting American Bison Facts
I will show you the interesting information about the American buffalo on American bison facts. It has the scientific name of Bison bison. In the past, American bison was found in a large herds roaming around the North American grassland. In 19th century, the slaughter cases and commercial hunting for American bison was increased which made this species almost extinct. Moreover, the population was reduced due to the bovine disease that they got from domestic cattle.
American Bison Facts 1: the subspecies
It has two major subspecies. They are the wood bison and plains bison. The former one is characterized with a square hump and taller body. The latter one has more rounded hump with smaller body size.
American Bison Facts 2: the status of American bison
In United States, American bison earns the status as the national mammal.
American Bison Facts 3: the wood bison
The wood bison has large body. However, its big body cannot defeat the wild water buffalo and Asian gaur. In Americas, it takes the record as the largest extant land mammal.
American Bison Facts 4: the characteristics
The primary characteristics of American bison are spotted on the light brown summer coat. During the winter season, it has dark brown and shaggy coat.
American Bison Facts 5: the male and female
The female is slightly smaller than the male one. Wood bison is big, while plain bison is small.
American Bison Facts 6: the length
The length of American bison from head to body is measured at 6.6 to 11.5 feet or 2 to 3.5 meters. The shoulder height is measured at 60 to 73 inches or 152 to 186 cm. It has the weight of 701 to 2,205 lb or 318 to 1,000 kilogram. The female usually has the weight of 360 to 544 kilogram. The male has the typical weight of 460 to 988 kilogram.
American Bison Facts 7: the sexual maturity
They will reach the sexual maturity at the age of 2 until 3 years old.
American Bison Facts 8: the captivity
American bison may grow larger and heavier when they are raised in a farm or captivity.
American Bison Facts 9: running speed
When American bison feels agitated, their running speed reaches 56 to 64 kilometers per hour or 35 to 40 miles per hour.
American Bison Facts 10: jumping height
The jumping height of American bison may reach 1.8 meters or 6 feet.
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