Happy National Bison Day! On the first Saturday in November, the country honors one of the most majestic beasts to roam the land.
The official National Mammal of the United States, the iconic North American Bison, has played a cultural, economic, and environmental role in the history of the country.
Central to the livelihood of Native Americans, they are also a healthy food source and vital to religious ceremonies.
When is National Day of the Horse?
The bison is the largest land mammal in North America, with males weighing up to two thousand pounds and standing up to six feet tall.
While cows may be smaller at one thousand pounds and up to five feet tall, they’re still mighty powerful. However, Bison only live up to twenty years.
Full-grown bison have a dark brown to black, thick shaggy coat. However, when they’re born, calves have a reddish coat. Their fur insulates them during even the coldest winters.
While giant herds once covered the plains, they were nearly decimated by the 1800s. Now, bison populate all 50 states living in national parks, refuges, tribal, and private lands.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Read about the bison. Visit an American museum featuring the history of the bison. Drive through a National Park to see living bison in their natural habitats.
Learn the history of their population and their role in American culture. Share your experiences and celebrate their lasting legacy.
Compare your beard (real or faux) to a bison’s! Take a picture and post on social media using #BeardsforBison or #NationalBisonDay to share on social media.
HISTORY
Since 2012, a movement launched for officially recognizing the American bison as the national mammal of the United States.
Organizers included making National Bison Day the first Saturday of November. The United States Senate signed resolutions yearly supporting the passage of such a proclamation.
On May 9, 2016, 44th U.S. President Barack Obama signed the law making the American bison the national mammal of the United States.
DATES
November 06, 2021
November 05, 2022
November 04, 2023
November 02, 2024
November 01, 2025
November 07, 2026
November 06, 2027
November 04, 2028
November 03, 2029
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