Mammals
American Bison
Bison bison
Population
Increasing
Range
Great Plains of North America
Habitat
Prairies, grasslands, river valleys
Ecosystem role
Keystone grazer that shapes grassland structure and supports biodiversity.
Fast facts
- ● Largest land animal in North America.
- ● Can run up to 35 mph.
- ● Population recovered from ~325 in 1884 to over 500,000 today.
Recent sightings
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve5/22/2026