The majestic American buffalo, more accurately known as the bison, once thundered across North America in vast, seemingly endless herds. These iconic creatures, a cornerstone of ecological balance and Native American cultures, faced a dramatic struggle for survival, yet their story is now one of remarkable resurgence.
It is widely believed that the ancestors of today’s bison crossed over an ancient land bridge that connected Asia and North America. Over countless centuries, these magnificent animals slowly migrated southward, eventually extending their range as far south as Mexico, east to the Atlantic Coast, and even into Florida. However, their greatest concentrations, forming immense herds, were found dominating the plains and prairies from the Rocky Mountains eastward to the Mississippi River, and from Canada’s Great Slave Lake down to the vast expanse of Texas.
The Grandeur and Biology of the American Buffalo
Estimating the original population of American buffalo is challenging, as the great herds were nearly decimated before any organized surveys could take place. Nevertheless, expert estimates suggest their numbers ranged from a staggering 30 to 75 million. Early explorers like Lewis and Clark, encountering a herd near South Dakota’s White River in 1806, famously described the sight: “The moving multitude…darkened the whole plains.”
Despite variations in size and color, from light to dark brown, experts generally agree that all American buffalo belong to the same species. These differences in appearance are likely a result of the diverse environments in which they thrived.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Like their close relatives, domestic cattle and sheep, bison are cloven-hoofed. Both males and females possess a single set of distinctive hollow, curved horns. Male buffalo, known as bulls, are truly immense, often weighing a ton or more and standing an impressive five to six feet high at the shoulders. Their massive heads and prominent humps, covered with thick, dark brown woolly hair, create a striking contrast with their comparatively smaller hips. Females, or cows, are less massive but still formidable creatures. Remarkably, despite their colossal size and bulk, buffalo exhibit excellent mobility, speed, and agility, capable of sprinting at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
In the spring, buffalo begin to shed their heavy winter coats, a process that sees their hair hanging in tatters. To accelerate this shedding and relieve itching, buffalo often rub vigorously against large stones and trees. By late spring, only the long hairs on their heads, forelegs, and hump remain. To escape the torment of attacking insects, bison frequently wallow in dust or sand, creating protective layers.
Reproduction and Lifespan
With the arrival of the breeding season in mid-to-late summer, the herds become noticeably restless. The bulls, often solitary or aloof for much of the year, now drift among the cows and calves. Typically quiet, the bulls become vocally assertive, bellowing hoarsely, and engaging in frequent quarrels over females. These intense confrontations often involve lowered heads and defiant pawing of the earth.
Cows generally give birth to one tawny to buff-colored calf each year, with most births occurring between mid-April and late May, though some may arrive as late as October. At birth, calves show only a faint suggestion of the hump they will develop later. Young buffalo begin grazing primarily on grasses while still quite young, though some may continue to nurse until they are nearly a year old. On average, buffalo can live to be about 20 years of age.
The Catastrophic Decline of the American Buffalo
By 1800, the smaller buffalo herds east of the Mississippi River had already vanished, likely eliminated to protect livestock and burgeoning farmlands in the region. However, the true systematic reduction of the plains herds commenced around 1830 with the westward expansion of the American Frontier. At this time, buffalo hunting emerged as the primary industry of the plains. Organized hunting parties ruthlessly slaughtered buffalo for their hides and meat, with hunters often killing up to 250 animals per day. The sheer scale of this extermination is difficult to comprehend.
Beyond economic motives, a tragic and often deliberate goal of many was to eradicate the buffalo as a means to undermine the livelihood and well-being of Native American tribes. These tribes depended entirely on the buffalo for their meat, hides, and spiritual connection. Even today, many Native Americans hold the animal in high regard, believing it possesses special spiritual and healing powers, making it an indispensable part of their cultural identity.
The construction of railroads across the plains further accelerated the catastrophic depletion of buffalo populations. Hunting from train windows was widely advertised, allowing passengers to shoot bison as the herds raced alongside the trains. By 1883, both the northern and southern herds had been virtually destroyed. Out of the millions that once roamed the continent, fewer than 300 wild animals remained in the United States and Canada by the turn of the 20th century.
The Dawn of Conservation: Rescuing the American Buffalo
The conservation movement for the American buffalo gained momentum slowly but decisively. In May 1894, a pivotal moment arrived when Congress enacted a law making buffalo hunting illegal within the confines of Yellowstone National Park. Eight years later, funds were appropriated to purchase 21 buffalo from private herds, initiating the crucial rebuilding of the Yellowstone herd. With adequate protection, this herd has steadily increased, now numbering almost 4,000 animals.
Today, thousands of buffalo also inhabit other vital protected areas across the United States. These include the National Bison Range in Montana’s Flathead Valley, the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in southwest Oklahoma, the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in northern Nebraska, Sullys Hill National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern North Dakota, and Walnut Creek National Wildlife Refuge in central Iowa.
Numerous private herds have also played an indispensable role in boosting the buffalo’s overall population over the years. While the current herds, numbering approximately 200,000 buffalo in total, do not approach the colossal scale of the original great herds that once roamed the North American continent, they are robust enough to ensure the continued well-being of the American buffalo for generations to come. This remarkable comeback stands as a testament to dedicated conservation efforts.
Conclusion: An Enduring Legacy of Resilience
The journey of the American buffalo from the brink of extinction to its current, stable population is a powerful narrative of environmental resilience and successful human intervention. Once a symbol of the untamed wilderness and an essential resource for indigenous peoples, the bison now stands as a proud emblem of conservation, reminding us of the profound impact of past actions and the enduring importance of protecting our natural heritage. Its continued presence in North America’s wild landscapes is a triumph, securing its place for future generations to witness its majestic splendor.
