The American Bison (Bison bison), or buffalo, numbered about 60 million when the Europeans arrived in the Americas. Probably no other continent--not even Africa--has produced a single wild game animal in such great numbers.

The greatest concentration of buffalo occurred on the vast grasslands of the Plains and prairies from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River and from Canada to Texas.

Male buffalo average from five to six feet from hoof to hump. Females average from three and a half to four and a half feet. The buffalo uses its keen sense of smell to detect enemies, fellow buffalo, and food. While grazing, they constantly sniff the area around them.

Buffalo usually live communally in groups of 10 to 20; however, temporary aggressions may form during the breeding season. Bulls use a repertoire of threat postures and movements in establishing dominance. When a buffalo is curious or excited, its tail stands straight up or out. Conflicts rarely evolve into all-out fighting.

Like all herd animals living in large groups, buffalo must closely coordinate their activities as a whole herd may change activity within a few minutes. The American bison is notorious for its habit of stampeding.

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