MAMMALS: HOOFED MAMMALS

Bison, Bison bison

Family Bovidae (Sheep, Goats, and Bison)

Size: ~ 6' tall at shoulder; 8' body (males larger than females)

Range: Isolated regions of western and northeastern Colorado

Habitat: Grassy plains, open woodlands

The largest land mammal in North America (weighing up to 1,200 pounds or more), the bison is a massive bovid that once roamed huge expanses of the continent but is now limited to small protected areas. Both sexes have humped backs and large heads with curving horns. The color is brownish, with a thick, shaggy, darker head and forequarters. Bison are fast runners for their size, are active during the day, and are gregarious. They form large grazing herds, eating mostly grasses and sedges, and spend much of the day wallowing or chewing their cud.