American Buffalo
(Adopted 1955)

This enormous mammal (which can weigh up to 2000 pounds) is dark brown, with a high hump on it shoulders that is usually pale golden brown. The head is massive and both sexes have horns. Long, shaggy hair hangs from the shoulders and front legs. Before North America was settled by Europeans, Bison numbered perhaps 60 million, but by 1900 fewer than 1000 remained. A last-minute rescue attempt resulted in a successful comeback. Now you can see Bison at Yellowstone, Wind Cave (South Dakota), Wood Buffalo (Alberta), and many other parks and refuges. Bison are also called Buffalo, but true buffalo live only in Africa and Asia.