For the first time in U.S. history, there is now a national mammal: the American bison.
President Barack Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act on May 9. The bison became the official national mammal, joining the bald eagle as the national bird, the rose as the national floral emblem and the oak as the national tree.
Here's some facts you should know about the newest American symbol:
Like the bald eagle once was, the bison's population is threatened.
But the bald eagle population is now increasing, while the bison's is now controlled. There were once millions of bison across the U.S., and now there are about 500,000.
What's the difference between a bison and a buffalo? They're actually the same.
The two names are used interchangeably, but "buffalo" is more of a nickname. Technically, the full name for bison is Bison bison bison (Genus, species, subspecies).
Bison can live to 20 years or older
On average, they live to be 15 in the wild and sometimes to 25 in captivity.
The bison runs — fast
Though some weigh near 2,000 lbs., are 6 feet tall and 10 feet long, they can run up to 35 miles per hour.
To find the most American bison, travel to Yellowstone National Park
Today, around 4,900 bison live in a controlled environment there. Historians say in pre-historic times, the bison roamed this same area.
Facts from U.S. Department of the Interior website.
Read More
Ball State football’s blowout loss to Ohio summarizes failed season
By Kyle Smedley / 21 hours agoAfter the Bobcats’ 42-21 routing, the Cardinals finished the season with their worst record since 2017.
Yorktown downs Delta 47-46 in thriller
By David Moore / 3 days agoYorktown takes down Delta in rivalry thriller 47-46
