ROCKY MOUNTAIN STATES

American Bison "Buffalo"
Bos (Bison) bison
Cattle, Goat, and Sheep Family
H 6'; L 11'; T 18"; female smaller than male. Very heavy foreparts; mainly dark brown; high shoulders to forelegs covered with thick "blanket" of somewhat paler rufous-brown fur. Head massive, dark brown; curly "hairpiece" on crown between 2 fairly short, upward-pointing horns (both sexes); long beard on chin. Long tail has tip with large tuft. Reddish-brown first summer. Once lived in vast herds on plains and in mixed forest and meadow country in mountains throughout region, except northern Idaho and southwestern Colorado. Shot nearly to extinction in late 1800s; a few small herds protected by early conservationists. Descendants have been used to restock larger reserves and ranches. Breeding: Usually 1 young in Apr. - May. Sign: 10'-wide, 1'-deep muddy or dusty wallows devoid of vegetation. Scat: like familiar "cow chip." Tracks: cloven hearts; rounder and larger than cattle's. Habitat: Open rolling prairies; larger mountain meadows and nearby forests. Activity: By day, year-round. Range: Largest free-roaming herds in Yellowstone National Park; others in protected areas in eastern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

PHOTO: Gerald & Buff Corsi/Focus on Nature, Inc.