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​National Bison Day

Join us in celebrating National Bison Day - learn more about the history, conservation, and importance of these majestic animals!
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Animal
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Country
United States
Introduction

Mark your calendars for the First Saturday in November as it will be time to celebrate National Bison Day! This day honors one of North America's most iconic animals, the American bison. It has been celebrated since 2013 and is a reminder of how important these animals are to our environment and our history. The American bison was once nearly wiped out due to overhunting, but with conservation efforts, there are now estimated to be more than 500,000 bison roaming the United States. So let’s take this special day to appreciate and honor these majestic creatures!

History of ​National Bison Day

​National Bison Day Dates

​National Bison Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bison Population Declines</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the 1800s, American bison were hunted to near extinction, with the population dropping from millions to just a few hundred.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1905</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Bison Society Formed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Bison Society was formed in 1905 by William T. Hornaday and Theodore Roosevelt to prevent the extinction of the American bison.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1913</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bison Return to Wind Cave National Park</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1913, 14 bison were reintroduced to Wind Cave National Park, these animals became the founding herd for many other herds across the United States.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Bison Society Reestablished</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Wildlife Conservation Society reestablished the American Bison Society in 2005, focusing on bison recovery in their historical range.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Bison Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The inaugural National Bison Day was celebrated in 2013 to raise awareness and appreciation for the importance of the American bison.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bison: The National Mammal</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American bison was designated as the National Mammal of the United States in 2016, solidifying its significance in American history and culture.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate ​National Bison Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a bison reserve</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to your local bison reserve and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You can learn about the history of bison and their role in shaping the landscape.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Eat bison burgers</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Celebrate National Bison Day by eating a delicious bison burger! Bison meat is leaner than beef and has a slightly sweet flavor. It's a great way to show your appreciation for these animals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a bison documentary</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather around the TV and watch a documentary about the history and current status of bison in North America. Learn about the struggles they have faced and the efforts being made to conserve them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Shop for bison products</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support local businesses who use bison as an ingredient in their products. Check out online stores for bison jerky, steaks, and other delicious treats.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a bison parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a parade in your community to celebrate National Bison Day! Encourage people to dress up like bison, decorate floats with images of bison, and march through the streets. It’ll be fun for everyone involved!</p></div></div>

Why We Love ​National Bison Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bison is a sustainable source of protein</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bison are an excellent source of high quality, lean protein. They are raised humanely and ethically on family farms and ranches, contributing to the sustainability of the entire food chain. Plus, bison meat is lower in fat and cholesterol than traditional beef, making it a healthy alternative for those searching for healthier options.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bison supports local farmers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>When you purchase bison products, you are directly supporting small family farms and helping to sustain a rural landscape that has been around for centuries. These farmers work hard everyday to ensure the health of their herds and ultimately provide high quality products with nutrient dense nutrition.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Bison is delicious</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>It's easy to see why bison has become so popular - its flavor profile is similar to that of steak, but it has a more robust, gamey taste. Whether grilled, roasted or pan seared, bison makes any meal into something special - so celebrate National Bison Day by trying some unique bison recipes!</p></div></div>

5 Intriguing Facts for National Bison Day

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bison Have An Incredible Sense of Smell</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite the fact that their eyesight is rather poor, bison have a phenomenal sense of smell that helps them detect potential predators, locate food sources, and even sense changes in weather.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bison Are Remarkably Agile</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite their large size, bison are remarkably agile, capable of running at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, jumping high fences, and swiftly changing directions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Female Bison Choose Their Mates</h3><p class='facts-content'>In bison herds, it is typically the female bison who choose their mates, and alpha males can often be seen tending to their chosen mates to ward off potential competitors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bison Contribute to the Health of Ecosystems</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bison play a key role in shaping the ecosystems in which they reside by selectively grazing on certain types of vegetation, thereby promoting biodiversity in plant species.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bison Exhibit Distinctive Social Behaviors</h3><p class='facts-content'>Bison are known to exhibit a variety of social behaviors, such as grooming each other with their tongues and engaging in play fights, suggesting a complex social structure within the herd.</p></div></div>

​National Bison Day FAQs

When is ​National Bison Day?

​National Bison Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Nov 4

Saturday

2024

Nov 2

Saturday

2025

Nov 1

Saturday

2026

Nov 7

Saturday

2027

Nov 6

Saturday

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