The Buffalo That Isnt A Buffalo – The American Bison

The Buffalo That Isnt A Buffalo – The American Bison

Any trip to the American Southwest wouldnt be complete without mentioning the American Bison. The beast was called a buffalo by many through the years but it technically is only distantly related to that species.

The bison was the favorite target of the Plains Indians. They provided meat to eat, fur to wear and hard bones to make things from. Early in history, they were hunted by foot but once the Europeans appeared and introduced horses into the equations, everything changed. They hunted the bison heavily for the skins often leaving the meat to rot. It was thought they were trying to deprive the Indians of food to eat. When the Native Americans got horses, they too hunted the animal almost to the point of extinction. The Comanches alone would kill as many as a quarter million a year. Were it not for conservationist who fought both the traders and the Indians, we probably wouldnt have the herds we have today. It took years to bring the animal back from the edge of extinction but now there are commercial herds that are sizable and buffalo is a somewhat popular meat for its leaness.

In American culture, the bison stands for being strong and tough, and it is seen not only as a mascot for many sports teams but on official things such an emblem on the American five cent piece and on the coat of arms for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Seeing them today isnt quite as majestic as seeing them free on the open plains but there are herds of them in national parks like Yellowstone, and visitors are warned that bisons will attack if provoked. Theyve had enough experience in their history to know what thats all about! new mexico