The Life of Animals | Bison | The American bison and the European wisent are good swimmers and are the largest terrestrial animals in North America and Europe. American bison are known for living in the Great Plains. The American plains bison is no longer listed as endangered, but the wood bison is on the endangered species list in Canada.
The American species has 15 ribs, while the European bison has 14. The American bison has four lumbar vertebrae, while the European has five. Adult American bison are not as rangy in build, and have shorter legs. American bison graze more to growing niche, and browse less than Their European cousins. Their anatomies Reflect this behavioral difference; the American bison's head hangs closer to the earth than the European's. The body of the American bison is typically hairier, though its tail has less hair than That of the European bison.
American bison are more easily tamed than the European Their cousins, and breed with domestic cattle more readily Wallowing is a common behavior of bison. A bison wallow is a shallow depression in the soil, either wet or dry. Bison roll in these depressions, covering themselves with mud or dust. Possible Explanations suggested for wallowing behavior include grooming behavior associated with moulting, male-male interaction (typically rutting behavior), social behavior for group cohesion, play behavior, relief from skin irritation due to biting Insects, reduction of ectoparasite load (ticks and lice) , and thermoregulation. The bison's temperament is Often unpredictable. At the time bison ran wild, They were the resource persons rated second only to the Alaska brown bears as a potential killer, more dangerous than the grizzly bear. The herd Exhibits much restlessness During breeding season. The animals are belligerent, unpredictable and most dangerous. Due to Their large size, Few predators attack bison. However, wolf packs can take down a bison.