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WE10 Things Every Hiker Should Know About Bison
1. Bison are the largest land mammals in North America
Males can weigh up to 2,000 lbs (900 kg), making them incredibly powerful despite their calm appearance.
2. They can run faster than you
Bison can reach speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h). That’s faster than most humans.
3. They are unpredictable
Even when grazing peacefully, bison can charge without warning if they feel threatened.
4. Their hump is pure muscle
That large shoulder hump helps them plow through deep snow in winter to find food.
5. They have excellent hearing and smell
Bison rely more on these senses than vision, which makes sudden movements risky around them.
6. They can jump surprisingly high
Despite their size, bison can jump fences and obstacles over 6 feet (1.8 m).
7. They are responsible for more injuries than bears in national parks
Especially in places like Yellowstone, most wildlife-related injuries involve bison.
8. Distance is everything
The recommended safe distance is at least 25 yards (23 meters), but more is always better.
9. Birds often ride on them
Birds like blackbirds perch on bison to eat insects off their fur. It’s a mutual benefit.
10. They look slow, but they’re not
Their calm behavior can be misleading. Always respect their space.
Credit: @Pandachibaby
Sources:
National Park Service (NPS)
Yellowstone Wildlife Safety Guidelines
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Smithsonian National Zoo
American Bison Society
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