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We know them as Buffalo!
The American Buffalo is not a true buffalo.
Their closest relatives are the European Bison and the
Canadian Woods Bison, not the buffalo of Asia or Africa such
as the Water Buffalo. Scientifically they are named Bison
bison and they are the largest mammal in North America.
In
the early 1900's there were few buffalo left in North
America due to extensive hunting by the settling of the
west. Today it is estimated that there are more than 350,000
and can be found in every state in the US. The buffalo's
unique personality is what attracts us to the animal. Each
one has a different behavior but all have the common
denominator that they are WILD animals. While some will eat
from your hand, in seconds that behavior can change
dramatically if it feels threatened.
While they may appear slow and awkward, they can easily
outrun a horse and breakthrough any corral or fence they
choose to.
They mature around 7 years old and often live past 30 years
old. A mature bull typically weighs between 1800 to 2400
pounds while a mature cow will average around 1100 pounds.
Generally, a heifer will breed when she is two years old and
pregnancy is almost 9 months in duration.
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