Buffalo Story

WALL STREET GIFTS - The Story of the Buffalo

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, a buffalo and a bison are distinct animals. The “true” buffalo (Cape buffalo and water buffalo) are native to Africa and Asia. Whereas, Bison are found in North America and Europe. The two are actually not closely related. Thus, our Buffalos are actually Bison!  However, because most Americans call our "bison" "buffalo", we also have named our "bison statues" "buffalo statues". Confused?

The Bison is the national mammal of the USA and is known as the American Buffalo.

“Our” buffalo once roamed across North America in large herds. We know they existed as far back as 9000 BC. "Our" buffalo roamed from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico with a population in excess of 60 million in the late 18th century. Amazing! Within a century, "our" buffalo population was down to just 541 animals. Thankfully, today, we were able to increase that number to 500,000 animals on private lands and around 30,000 on public lands. Yellowstone National Park has the most.

Buffalo/Bison graze on grasses and other greens. Their daily schedule involves two-hour periods of grazing, resting, and cud chewing, then moving to a new location to graze again. In Wyoming, Bison have been know to walk 2 miles each day as they graze.

Despite being the closest relative of domestic cattle native to North America, bison/buffalo were never domesticated by Native Americans. The American Buffalo (Bison) are dangerous animals. They have tempers and can jump close to 6 ft vertically. When agitated, they can run at 35–40 mph for 5 miles!!!. This agility and speed, combined with their great size and weight, makes buffalo/bison herds difficult to confine. In a way, the American buffalo has "saved" itself.

In the United States female American buffalo live in maternal herds with other females and their offspring. Male offspring leave the maternal herd when they are around age 3. The males either live alone or join other males in bachelor herds until annual mating season.

American Buffalo/Bison meat is generally considered to taste very similar to beef, but is lower in fat and cholesterol yet higher in protein than beef.

Remember the Buffalo nickel? Sports has the Buffalo Bills. Many schools/colleges use the buffalo as their mascot. A good mascot to herald a team’s speed and agility. 

In the United States, the American Buffalo is what we call this fierce animal – even though they are Bison!!! Wall Street Gifts offers 14 American buffalo statues. A wonderful assortment of this national symbol.