Bison

The bison is one of the largest land mammals in the Northern Hemisphere. Today, two living species remain: the American bison, found mainly in North America, and the European bison, also called the wisent, which lives in parts of Europe. Both are powerful herbivores with a massive head, strong shoulders and a thick coat that provides protection against cold weather.

During winter, their dense fur helps conserve body heat, while their muscular neck allows them to sweep snow aside with their heads to reach grasses and other plants hidden beneath. Although bison may appear slow, they can run surprisingly fast over short distances and are also capable swimmers. Their keen senses help them detect danger and stay together as a group.

Bison usually live in herds, where individuals benefit from collective protection and social interactions. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, sedges and other low-growing plants, which they graze throughout the year. Calves are generally born in spring, when fresh vegetation becomes more abundant, and they are able to stand and follow their mothers within a few hours.

During the nineteenth century, American bison populations declined dramatically because of intensive hunting and habitat loss. European bison also came close to extinction in the wild. Thanks to conservation programs, legal protection and carefully managed reintroductions, both species have recovered in many regions, although continued management is still needed to maintain healthy wild populations and suitable habitats.