American Bison Bison bison

Identification
This massive mammal has a large shoulder hump and dark shaggy fur. It is a symbol of the Great Plains.

Location
Extirpated

Size
900 to 2000 pounds

Diet
It feeds on grasses and sedges.

Habitat
It formerly occurred in western Ohio prairies.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It is social and forms herds that migrate seasonally. It was active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer.

Population
The population is absent in Ohio.

History
It was extirpated due to overhunting.

Human Interactions
It rarely interacted with humans historically.

Facts
It is the national mammal of the United States.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Grasses sedges herbs | Prairies open plains | Formerly in Ohio