General Information: American Bison (Bison bison), commonly called Buffalo, are large cow-like creatures with high shoulders and in males, massive heads. The color is dark brown (generally darker than cows), and the hair on the shoulders and forelegs is long and shaggy.

Taxonomy: Order: Artiodactyla (Even-toed Hoofed Mammals); Family: Bovidae (cows, sheep, goats, and similar mammals).

Breeding: Breed in summer through fall. Gestation 9 months. Breed at age 2-3 years.

Diet: Vegetation; browse on shrubs, grasses, and forbs.

Range: Massive herds of bison once roamed the woods and grasslands of North America from northwest Canada to northern Mexico (Durango and Nuevo León), and east to the Appalachian Mountains. Remaining wild "pure bred" herds are now restricted to three sites in the US and one in Canada, the largest of which is in Yellowstone National Park. Domesticated, mixed-breed herds (bison crossed with cows) can be found many places, as they are often raised as a healthy alternative to beef.

Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, look for bison on the east side of Zion National Park, just outside the park boundary.

Comments: Bison are the largest land animal in North America.