The American Buffalo
The American buffalo, an iconic symbol of the vast North American landscape, stands as a testament to both the continent’s natural abundance and the profound impact of human activity. More accurately referred to as bison today, these magnificent creatures once thundered across the plains in numbers that defy easy comprehension. Their story is one of ecological dominance, cultural significance, and near-extinction, followed by a slow but steady journey toward recovery.
The ancestral journey of the American buffalo began millennia ago, with migrations across the Bering Land Bridge, a now-submerged connection between Asia and North America. As the climate and geography shifted, these hardy animals gradually expanded their range southward. Over centuries, they adapted to diverse environments, eventually reaching as far south as Mexico and eastward to the Atlantic Coast, extending their reach down to Florida. However, it was the expansive grasslands of the Great Plains, stretching from the Rocky Mountains eastward to the Mississippi River and from the Great Slave Lake in Canada to Texas, where the American buffalo thrived in the greatest concentrations.
Estimating the precise historical population of the American buffalo remains a challenge. The drastic decline in their numbers occurred before systematic surveys could be conducted, leaving historians and ecologists to rely on eyewitness accounts and extrapolations. These estimates suggest a staggering population, ranging from 30 to 75 million animals. Early explorers, like Lewis and Clark, documented the awe-inspiring scale of these herds. In 1806, while traversing South Dakota’s White River, they encountered a "moving multitude" so vast that it "darkened the whole plains," painting a vivid picture of the bison’s dominance.
While regional variations in size and coloration exist, experts generally agree that all American buffalo belong to the same species, Bison bison. The subtle differences in appearance likely reflect adaptations to varying environmental conditions across their vast range. These imposing herbivores share common traits with their relatives, domestic cattle and sheep, including cloven hooves. Both male and female bison possess a single set of hollow, curved horns, which they use for defense, competition, and establishing dominance.
Male bison, known as bulls, are truly impressive specimens. These powerful animals can weigh a ton or more, standing five to six feet tall at the shoulders. Their massive heads and distinctive humps, covered in thick, dark brown, woolly hair, create a striking contrast with their comparatively smaller hips. Females, referred to as cows, are smaller in stature but equally robust. Despite their size and seemingly cumbersome build, bison possess surprising mobility, speed, and agility. They can sprint at speeds up to 30 miles per hour, a testament to their adaptability and survival instincts.
As spring arrives, the American buffalo undergo a dramatic transformation. They begin to shed their heavy winter coats, a process that leaves them looking tattered and disheveled. To expedite the shedding process and alleviate itching, they rub against large stones and trees, creating natural scratching posts throughout their habitat. By late spring, only patches of long hair remain on their heads, forelegs, and humps, a reminder of the harsh winter they have endured. To combat the relentless onslaught of biting insects, bison engage in wallowing, covering themselves in dust or sand to create a protective barrier.
The breeding season, typically occurring in mid-to-late summer, brings about a noticeable change in the behavior of the bison herds. The bulls, typically solitary for much of the year, begin to mingle with the cows and calves. Their once-quiet demeanor transforms into a chorus of hoarse bellows, signaling their readiness to compete for mates. Fierce battles erupt between bulls, with lowered heads and pawing hooves, as they vie for dominance and the opportunity to reproduce.
Cows typically give birth to a single calf each year. The majority of calves are born between mid-April and the end of May, although some may arrive as late as October. Newborn calves are tawny or buff-colored and lack the prominent hump that characterizes adult bison. They begin grazing on grasses at a very young age, supplementing their diet with milk from their mothers. While some calves may continue to nurse for nearly a year, they quickly adapt to a diet primarily consisting of grasses. The American buffalo has a lifespan of approximately 20 years.
The decline of the American buffalo began in earnest in the 19th century. By 1800, small herds east of the Mississippi River had vanished, likely due to habitat loss and hunting pressures associated with agricultural expansion. The westward expansion of the American frontier brought about a systematic reduction of the vast plains herds, transforming buffalo hunting into a major industry by the 1830s. Organized hunting parties targeted bison for their hides and meat, with some hunters killing as many as 250 animals per day.
Tragically, the slaughter of the American buffalo was not solely driven by economic motives. Many individuals and government officials sought to eradicate the bison as a means of undermining the livelihoods and cultural integrity of Native American tribes. For centuries, Native American communities had relied on the buffalo for sustenance, clothing, shelter, and tools. The animal held deep spiritual significance, playing a vital role in their traditions and ceremonies. Even today, many Native American cultures continue to regard the buffalo as a sacred animal with special spiritual and healing powers.
The construction of railroads across the Great Plains further exacerbated the decline of the bison population. Hunting from train windows became a popular and gruesome pastime, with passengers shooting at bison as the trains sped alongside the herds. By 1883, both the northern and southern herds had been decimated. It is estimated that fewer than 300 wild bison remained in the United States and Canada at the turn of the century, a stark contrast to the millions that had once roamed the continent.
Recognizing the impending extinction of this iconic species, conservation efforts slowly began to gain momentum. In May 1894, Congress enacted a law making buffalo hunting illegal in Yellowstone National Park, a crucial step in protecting the remaining animals. Eight years later, funds were allocated to purchase 21 bison from private herds, establishing a breeding population within Yellowstone. Through diligent protection and management, the Yellowstone herd has steadily grown, now numbering nearly 4,000 animals.
Today, the American buffalo population has rebounded significantly, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Thousands of bison now inhabit protected areas such as the National Bison Range in the Flathead Valley of Montana, the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Oklahoma, the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in northern Nebraska, the Sullys Hill National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern North Dakota, and the Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge in central Iowa. These reserves provide vital habitat and ensure the continued survival of this majestic animal, a symbol of the American West.