The American bison was named the national mammal of the United States on May 9, 2016. This majestic animal joins the ranks of the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of our country—and much like the eagle, they’re a symbol of our American identity and one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. In prehistoric times, millions of bison roamed North America—from the forests of Alaska and the grasslands of Mexico to Nevada’s Great Basin and the eastern Appalachian Mountains. Had it not been for a few private individuals working with Tribes, states, and the Department of the Interior, the bison would be extinct today.  Bison are the largest mammal in North America. Male bison (bulls) weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall, while females (cows) weigh up to 1,000 pounds and reach a height of 4-5 feet. Bison calves weigh 30-70 pounds at birth.

Source: Department of Interior