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10 facts that will make you love bison even more than you already do

Posted: March 21, 2020 | Author: Breanne Sewards

Among all the quintessential Manitoban views, seeing a bison standing tall in a golden field against the backdrop of a setting sun is up there as one of the best. Here are 10 fun facts you may or may not know about our beloved bison!

1 - The bison is Manitoba's official mammal

Zoologically known as Bison bison bison (how great is that?), the plains bison has been a tried and true symbol of Manitoba since 1870. Look around and you'll see the bison on our coat of arms and flag, in the provincial government's logo, at the entrance of the Manitoba Legislative Building and even as the mascot of the University of Manitoba.

2 - There are two living subspecies of wild bison in North America

Next time you see a bison in Manitoba - try to identify which subspecies it is that you are looking at. After all, Manitoba is home to both wood bison (Bison bison athabascae) and plains bison (Bison bison bison). Plains bison have massive heads and shaggy capes, while woods bison have triangular heads and more distinctive shoulder humps.

3 - Riding Mountain National Park is home to a herd of 40 plains bison

Riding Mountain National Park is a bison hotspot here in Manitoba, thanks to its captive herd of 40 plains bison. The bison that roam the 500 hectare enclosure are descendants of a small group that were introduced from Elk Island National Park in the 1940s, as an effort toward conservation of the rapidly disappearing species. When the outbreak is over, consider taking a drive through the enclosure and don't be surprised if there's a few big, furry roadblocks in the way!

4 - The bison is the largest mammal in North America

That's right - even the wildlife are bigger and better in Manitoba. With an average weight of 725 kilograms, the wood bison is one of the largest species of bovid (cloven-hoofed, ruminant mammals) in the world and is also one of the heaviest and longest. In North America, only the moose can beat the bison in height.

5 - Bison are super speedy

You might want to be sitting down for this fact. Not only can bison run up to 55 kilometres per hour, they can also jump up to 2 metres into the air. We've never witnessed it, but we believe it. All the more reason to never exit your car when encountering a bison!

6 - Bison herds sustained Indigenous peoples living on the Great Plains

At one point in human history, bison roamed North America in the millions. For the Indigenous peoples who inhabited the Great Plains, the bison was an essential source for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, ornamentation and more. This unique relationship can be explored further with the Bison Bus Tours at FortWhyte Alive, which runs during the summer.

7 - Bison communicate using their tails

In addition to making sounds and engaging in some pretty serious stare-downs, bison communicate by flicking their tails. You can predict a bison's mood fairly well by looking at their tail: a relaxed bison means a relaxed tail. A playful bison's tail flicks back and forth, while an angry or frightened bison will hold its tail straight in the air.

8 - Rutting season can be intense

Rutting season runs from July to mid-September, during which the herds move more often as bulls challenge each other in their mating rituals. Confrontations between male bison can involve everything from headbutting and shoving to locking horns. Tawny yellow calves are born in May and June and are generally cared for by both parents.

9 - Bison can live for 20 years

With a lifespan of between 15 to 20 years, a bison's life expectancy will depend on whether or not it lives in the wild - where it must contend with predators like wolves and grizzly bears.

10 - Bison are herbivores

Regardless of their astonishing speed and size, bison are gentle giants that live off grasses and sedges. In the winter, they use their foreheads to push the snow away in order to access the grasses beneath.

Bonus fact - Blizzard the white bison

Did you know that Manitoba is home to a very special white bison? The 14 year old bison named Blizzard arrived to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in March of 2006, where he has resided ever since. With white bisons considered to be especially sacred in several Indigenous cultures, Blizzard was welcomed into Winnipeg with ceremonies performed by community elders.

About The Author

Hey! I'm Breanne, Editorial Content Specialist for Travel Manitoba. First to jump in the lake and last to make it down the River Trail. Lover of croissants, cats, and croissant-shaped cats. Got a story idea? Email me at bsewards@travelmanitoba.com.

Editorial Content Specialist