A bison is often called a buffalo. It is also called an American buffalo. It is the largest land animal in North America.

Many years ago, millions of bison roamed the plains. Early settlers hunted the bison until almost all the bison were gone. Laws were made to stop the hunting.

The male bison is called a bull. It is larger than the cow, the female bison. The bull can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. It is dark brown to black. A young bison is reddish brown.

The head, shoulders and front legs are covered with shaggy fur. The bison has a beard and horns. It also has a hump on its back.

The bulls and cows graze together. Bison travel slowly across the plains in herds. But it can run fast for its size. It can reach a speed of 30 miles per hour.

The bison eats in the morning and evening on grass and twigs. It swallows its food without chewing. Then the food comes back up and the bison chews it. This is called chewing the cud.

Today, most bison live in parks and animal reserves. These are special areas to protect them.