File:American bison standing in snow - DPLA - 8142461928041197abcef72d63bbe04a.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Artiodactyla; Family: Bovidae; Genus: Bison; Genus species: Bison bison. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 2.1-3.5 m; Height: 152-182 cm; Weight: 545-818 kg; Identification: The American bison has a brown coat with longer hair on its head, shoulders, and forelegs; Habitat: Grasslands, forests; Diet: Herbivore: grasses, sedges; Reproduction: With a breeding season from July to October and a gestation period of nine months, females give birth to a single calf in the spring away from the herd. Two hours later, the new mother and her offspring rejoin the others. Calves are weaned at one year of age and will remain with their mothers until they reach sexual maturity at three years; Social Structure: Bison live in family groups with 11-20 members. Some males may form bachelor groups; Behavior: Male bison display their dominance by fighting other males during the breeding season. Their encounters are usually very violent and can result in the loss of massive amounts of hair, severe injuries, or even death; Status: No special status; Interesting Facts: The American bison was nearly eradicated in the early 1900s but is now thriving in national parks.