Top 10 Facts About Bison

Bison are widely referred to as buffalo, though there are many differences between the two.

There are also many great facts about these large North American mammals that many people have never known.

The Top Ten

  1. Bison can run faster than horses

    Bison can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and can jump over 6 feet. The average speed of a galloping horse is typically between 25 and 30 miles per hour.

  2. A female bison is called a cow

    A female bison weighs around 1,000 pounds and will reach a height of 4 to 5 feet. Cows are generally smaller and weigh less than a male bison. Cows also have thinner horns that generally curve inward.

  3. A male bison is called a bull

    Bulls are generally larger and stockier than cows, with a massive head and thicker horn structure.

    Bulls usually have a larger hump at the shoulder as well.

  4. Wild bison can live up to about 25 years

    Those in the wild may live up to 25 years, while bison in captivity may live longer.

  5. Bison can plow snow with their heads

    When the snow becomes too deep, bison will use their heads to push it aside to get to the greens underneath.

  6. Bison are nearsighted

    Though bison have poor eyesight, they have really good hearing.

  7. A baby bison is called a calf

  8. Both bulls and cows grow horns

  9. Baby bison begin to grow their horns shortly after birth

  10. There are two species of bison: American bison and European bison (also called the wisent)

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