Bison becomes national mammal

For the first time in U.S. history, there is now a national mammal: the American bison. 

President Barack Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act on May 9. The bison became the official national mammal, joining the bald eagle as the national bird, the rose as the national floral emblem and the oak as the national tree.

Here's some facts you should know about the newest American symbol:

Like the bald eagle once was, the bison's population is threatened.

But the bald eagle population is now increasing, while the bison's is now controlled. There were once millions of bison across the U.S., and now there are about 500,000.

What's the difference between a bison and a buffalo? They're actually the same.

The two names are used interchangeably, but "buffalo" is more of a nickname. Technically, the full name for bison is Bison bison bison (Genus, species, subspecies).

Bison can live to 20 years or older

On average, they live to be 15 in the wild and sometimes to 25 in captivity.

The bison runs — fast

Though some weigh near 2,000 lbs., are 6 feet tall and 10 feet long, they can run up to 35 miles per hour.

To find the most American bison, travel to Yellowstone National Park

Today, around 4,900 bison live in a controlled environment there. Historians say in pre-historic times, the bison roamed this same area.

Facts from U.S. Department of the Interior website.

Comments

More from The Daily






This Week's Digital Issue


Loading Recent Classifieds...