NT Herbivore Grasslands, Plains
318–1000 kg
Weight
15–20 yrs
Lifespan
56 km/h
Top Speed
North America
Found In
The American Bison is one of the most widely-recorded species in the U.S. national park system, with documented populations in 5 parks. Native populations and abundance vary park-by-park.
Found in 5 U.S. National Parks
The American Bison has 6 field records across 5 parks in the National Park Service biodiversity database, listed as native in 6 records.
| Park | Nativeness | Abundance | T&E Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon National Park | Native | Abundant | 50 |
| Grand Teton National Park | Native | Common | — |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Native | NA | 50 |
| Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Native | NA | — |
| Indiana Dunes National Park | Native | NA | 50 |
| Rocky Mountain National Park | Native | NA | — |
Abundance Distribution
Size, Speed & Lifespan
| Metric | American Bison | Herbivore Mammals Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 659 kg | 117.3 kg | ↑ 462% |
| Height | 169 cm | — | — |
| Top Speed | 56 km/h | 40 km/h | ↑ 40% |
| Avg Speed | 48 km/h | — | — |
| Lifespan | 17.5 yrs | 22.5 yrs | ↓ 22% |
Endemic to North America
Habitat: Grasslands, Plains
Found In: North America
Coloration: Brown
Behavior
Natural Predators
Social Structure
Recorded as Group-based.
Reproduction & Lifespan
Gestation Period: 270–290 days
Offspring per Birth: 1
Lifespan: 15–20 years
A Near-Threatened Population
NT Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List — one of 14 species in this database with the same status.
Weight Rank Among Near Threatened Species
Ranked #3 of 14 by typical adult weight.
| # | Species | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White Rhinoceros | 1800–2500 kg | NT |
| 2 | Narwhal | Up to 1600 kg | NT |
| 3 | American Bison | 318–1000 kg | NT |
| 4 | Markhor | Up to 110 kg | NT |
| 5 | Gerenuk | 28–52 kg | NT |
| 6 | Emperor Penguin | 22–45 kg | NT |
Other Bovidae Species
The Bovidae family has 10 species in this database. Compare close taxonomic relatives:
| Species | Weight | Diet | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Ibex | 19–120 kg | Herbivore | LC |
| Arabian Oryx | 65–90 kg | Herbivore | VU |
| Gaur | 600–1300 kg | Herbivore | VU |
| Gerenuk | 28–52 kg | Herbivore | NT |
| Markhor | Up to 110 kg | Herbivore | NT |
| Saola | Up to 100 kg | Herbivore | CR |
| Water Buffalo | 300–1200 kg | Herbivore | LC |
| Wildebeest | 200–390 kg | Herbivore | LC |
| Yak | 500–1200 kg | Herbivore | LC |