Bison vs. Buffalo: What's the Difference?

March 18, 2021

You’ve heard them called “buffalo.” You’ve heard them called “bison.” Naturally, you’ve probably wondered: what is the difference? The answer is a little complex. Bison and buffalo are, in fact, two different (but related) animals; however, when early settlers first saw American bison, they confused it with the buffalo native to Africa and Asia, and the name stuck! Today, many use the terms interchangeably to refer to the majestic animals and delicious meat that have become part of the fabric of American history.

Beyond their storied history, bison are fascinating creatures. They are our national mammal and for good reason! The American Bison provided food and materials to our Native Americans. To this day, many tribes have ceremonies to celebrate the mighty bison and honor this great animal for the significant role it played in their early survival. Read on to learn some of the most interesting, exciting facts about this magnificent animal!

1. Bison Are Huge

When it comes to American bison, “big” is an understatement. A male can weigh about 2,000 pounds and stand at about six feet tall. Females, on the other hand, weigh up to 1,000 pounds and are typically four to five feet in height. Even calves can weigh as much as 70 pounds at birth!

2. They Show Their Mood with Their Tails

When a bison is feeling calm, its tail will hang loosely and swish from side to side. However, when it feels alarmed or is preparing to charge, its tail lifts and rises straight up. Regardless of the tail position, a bison can charge at any second, so you should never get too close to one.

3. They’re Fast and Agile

Despite their size, bison can run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour and can jump six feet vertically. They can also spin around and swim quickly, making them best viewed from a distance.

4. Their Coats Keep Them Warm

Many animals burn extra calories to keep themselves warm in freezing temperatures, but buffalo do not need to. This is because their winter coats are incredibly dense, even allowing snow to sit on the surface of their fur without melting. Meanwhile, the bison remains safe and warm in its layers of insulation.

5. Bison Babies Change Colors

Bison calves are also called “red dogs” because they're born with a reddish hide that changes color after birth. As they get older, their hide becomes a deep brown color. This is also when they develop a hump on their backs.

6. They Make Sounds Like a Lawnmower

Buffalo make a variety of noises, including grunts, growls, bellows, and snorts. Some people have compared the grunting noise to the sound of a lawnmower or a truck.

7. All Bison Have Horns

Both male and females have horns, which start to grow when they are about two years old. Prior to this age, the horn is a short stump that protrudes from the head just above the ears. The horns then curve upward at a 45-degree angle, and the growth pattern continues until the bison is about four years old. At first, the horns might be black, but as the animal ages, they turn gray. When the buffalo gets older, the horns become stumpy and rounded.

8. Bison Meat Is Delicious

Bison meat is delicious and nutritious, containing fewer calories, more protein, and less fat than beef. The best part? Even though it's a lot healthier, bison meat tastes a lot like beef. In fact, most people even think bison tastes better than beef!

Ready to experience the incredible flavor of buffalo meat? From bison brisket to bison tri-tip steak, you can find a variety of high-quality cuts from Buck Wild Bison. Contact us today to learn more about our products or place an order!