Imagine a time when 60 million majestic bison, North America’s largest land mammals, thundered across the continent. Now, picture a world where they’re nearly gone—all because of us. Yes, humans almost wiped out these iconic creatures. But here’s where it gets even more shocking: the bison, now the national mammal of the USA, were once on the brink of extinction due to our actions. And this is the part most people miss—their story isn’t just about survival; it’s a tale of cultural significance, historical tragedy, and remarkable resilience.
These colossal animals, weighing between 1,100 and 1,984 pounds, are far more than just a pretty face. Despite their size, they can sprint at speeds up to 34 miles per hour and leap over obstacles nearly five feet tall. While they might appear docile, they’re a force to be reckoned with—a lesson learned the hard way by those who’ve gotten too close. Pro tip: If you’re visiting bison country, double-check your car insurance policy for animal-related incidents—just in case.
For Indigenous peoples of North America, bison are more than just wildlife; they’re sacred. Over thousands of years, these animals provided food, clothing, tools, and even played central roles in rituals and ceremonies. But the 19th-century westward expansion changed everything. As European settlers pushed across the continent, bison were systematically hunted to make way for railroads and farmland. Here’s where it gets controversial: The U.S. Army deliberately slaughtered bison in the late 1800s, not just for land but to weaken Native American tribes by severing their deep cultural and survival ties to these animals. This dark chapter, known as ‘the Great Slaughter,’ reduced a population of 30 to 60 million bison to fewer than 1,000 by the end of the century.
The consequences were devastating—not just for bison but for Indigenous communities, whose way of life was irreparably altered. Yet, against all odds, the bison survived. Thanks to the tireless efforts of conservationists, tribes, and government agencies, there are now approximately 31,000 wild bison in the U.S. and Canada, with an additional 360,000 raised as livestock. Yellowstone National Park, the only place in the U.S. where bison have roamed continuously since prehistoric times, is now home to over 4,500 of these resilient creatures.
But here’s a thought to ponder: If we came so close to erasing them once, what’s stopping us from doing it again? As we marvel at videos of bison playfully rolling in the dirt, let’s also reflect on our role in their near-extinction. Do we deserve to share a planet with such magnificent beings? And more importantly, what are we willing to do to ensure their survival—and our own redemption? Let’s start the conversation in the comments.
