King of the Pairie

The plains bison is one of two species of the American bison, the other being the “wood bison,” found mostly in the eastern United States.

Though often referred to as a “buffalo,” it is not a buffalo and is properly referred to as a bison. By the late 1880’s, the millions of bison that had covered the plains states had been decimated and reduced to only about 600. Through the efforts of private owners and various conservation groups, there are now more than 500,000 residing in the US. A genetically pure strain can still be found in northern Yellowstone NP. Many have been hybridized with cattle, especially those for human consumption.

Today, bison may be found in larger herds in Yellowstone NP, Badlands NP, Custer State Park - SD, Devils Tower, Wind Cave, Wood Buffalo NP and Theodore Roosevelt NP. Ted Turner maintains a private herd in New Mexico.

The bison was a mainstay food source for the plains Indian tribes. Not only used for food, from bison tissues, hide, sinews, bone and skin were derived arrow points, awls, beads, hide scrapers, needles, spoons, bow strings, thread, paint brushes, cooking oil moccasin soles, blankets, wraps, clothing and tipi coverings. The animal was critical to their lifestyle.