American bisons

Habitat:
Prairies and forests in North America.

Age:
15-20 years

Weight:
Females: 360-540 kg
Males: 460-990 kg

Height:
Up to 2.8 meters

Gestation period:
285 days

Number of offspring:
1 calf

Conservation status:
At risk of becoming threatened

Did you know…

• Yellowstone National Park in the USA is the only place where the North American bison has continuously lived since prehistoric times.
• There is a population of approximately 4,900 individuals.
• The North American bison is the largest mammal in North America.
• Despite its large and compact size, the bison is very agile. It can run at speeds of up to 60 km/h, nearly as fast as a zebra.
• Bison have a hump on their necks, which consists of pure muscle. These muscles are used to support their large and heavy heads.
• It also comes in handy when living in an area with deep snow during winter, as the bison can swing its head from side to side, using it as a snowplow.
• The bison herd in Knuthenborg consists of a bull with his harem of several cows and their calves.

Meet the bison herd in Dyrehaven.