Bison

The bison is a large, brown mammal that lives in the plains and prairies of North America. Bison have thick fur, weigh between 800-2000 pounds, and have strong neck muscles and a two-layered skull for protection. They graze on grasses and other plants. Bison migrate seasonally for food and water. Females typically have one calf after a 9.5 month gestation period, and the calves stay with their mothers for 6 months. Bison were nearly extinct but now number over 20,000, with some populations protected in national parks and wildlife refuges.