At one point, over 30-60 million plains bison roamed across North America. Today it is estimated that there are around 20,000 managed as wildlife. In their natural habitat, bison help shape the land and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. The bison’s massive heads and shoulders allow them to plow through deep snow, making highways for animals such as pronghorn antelope and elk in the winter months. Their foraging activities in snow also make it possible for other animals to reach

Plains bison—commonly called buffalo—hold tremendous cultural and spiritual significance for many of North America’s Indigenous people. Discover how bison are making an exciting comeback and returning in greater numbers to the Great Plains of North America in the latest episode of WWF’s Wildlife Café series ☕🦬. Watch now: https://wwf.to/4fpcdbX. | World Wildlife Fund

Bison are an iconic American species, but one that was almost lost to us. During the 19th century, the U.S. government encouraged mass hunting of bison as a commercial enterprise and as a tactic in the war against tribes of the Great Plains. As many as 60 million bison were killed. Today, bison populations are recovering, but there is still much scientists have to learn about North America's largest native herbivore. Learn more about how Smithsonian researchers are working to restore bison to th

13K views · 499 reactions |  Every hour, a solar-powered GPS ear tag tells Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists where bison on the American Prairie Reserve in Montana roam. This data conveys more than where the animals are. It also offers key insight into their social dynamics and how they calculate their next move. ️ STORY: https://s.si.edu/33oWiZ4. | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute | Facebook