The unusual shape of a bison is an adaptation to be able to push and paw through deep snow to forage, and they also swing their massive heads to clear away the snow from their food.

During most of the year mature cows, immature animals of both sexes, and calves form herds of varying sizes. Bulls form bachelor groups or live alone until the rut. In the north, the rut can occur from July to September. Competitions among the bulls during the rut consists mostly of threat displays and roaring, but sometimes fights result in serious injury or death. Bulls also wallow and "tree-horn" more at this time. Gestation is nine months and a single, red calf is born between mid-April and early June.

back to main section