Buffalo and Bison Busts, Gifts, and Collectibles

Bison, commonly referred to as the American Plains Buffalo, once roamed the entire North American Continent with their numbers estimated at over 60 million. Bison were an integral part of the ecosystem for centuries, thriving on wild and drought resistant western grasses, native shrubs, flowers and other plants. Bison were the economic and spiritual focal point of the Plains Indians, supplying them with food, clothing and shelter(ebabison.org).

They are strong, hardy beasts who suffer few diseases in the wild. The brucellosis attributed to bison herds today is really a cattle disease which was transmitted to bison in some areas. The Bison Range herd is vaccinated against this and other cattle diseases, and is certified brucellosis-free.

Bison are unpredictable and can be very dangerous. They appear slow and docile but really are quite agile and can run as fast as a horse; so don't try to out run one. A bison's tail is often a handy warning flag. When it hangs down and is switching naturally, the animal usually is unperturbed. If it extends out straight and droops at the end he/she is becoming mildly agitated. If the tail is sticking straight up, they are ready to charge and you should be somewhere else....but do not run.

Bison bulls weigh about 2,000 lbs and have heavy horns and a large hump of muscle which supports their enormous head and thick skull. They have a thick mass of fur on their heads and a heavy cape of fur even in summer. This enhances their size and protects them when fighting. They are especially ill-tempered and roar and battle during the breeding season from mid-July through August(fws.gov).