National Bison Day
National Bison Day:
Celebrated every first Saturday in November. This day is observed to honor the majestic beasts of the United States – the Bison. The American Bison have played a significant role in the history of the country’s culture, economy, and environment. They have been a source for livelihood, healthy food, and significant religious ceremonies.
Year | Date | Day | Where |
2020 | 7th November | Saturday | United States |
2021 | 6th November | Saturday | United States |
2022 | 5th November | Saturday | United States |
Twitter Hashtags:
#NationalBisonDay
#BisonDay
Why Bison Day?
The Bison is the largest land mammal that roamed the lands of North America. The Native Americans once lived with herds of bison around them. They were most commonly found in the central plains, west, northwest and the southeastern regions of the U.S. Due to westernization, many tribes, and bison herds were considered unimportant and were forced from their lands by false government treaties, mass slaughters and poachers. By the early 1900s Bisons had almost reached their way to extinction. Today, we are still able to see Bison around us due to the efforts of wildlife associations, national park systems, Indian tribes, and other services to protect this species.
Thus in 2012, the National Bison Day was initiated by Native Americans, bison herders, conservationists, educators, and other folks who cared about the fate of these mammals.
In 2016, President Barack Obama, gave a massive boost to National Bison Day by signing the National Bison Legacy Act into law, officially declaring this American Buffalo as the national mammal of the United States.
Thus the main objective for dedicating this day is to promote the significance of the America Bison as a species that has massively contributed to maintaining the biodiversity and sustaining the ecosystem as well as it is one of the symbols of the U.S.
How can we observe National Bison Day?
You may observe National Bison day with the following activities and post pictures on social media using hashtags #NationalBisonDay and # BisonDay
- Visit the nearest National Park
This is one of the perfect ways to observe National Bison Day. If you get a chance to visit the Yellowstone National Park to watch the Bison in their natural Habitat, that would be amazing. Else, even the smallest national parks will give you a glimpse of Bison. It will be fun for children and you can introduce them to our latest American symbol.
- Sign a petition
Show your support for the American Bison. You may also support the wild bison returning to their native tribal lands. Bison have been part of tribal livelihood, food, and an important part of their religious culture.
- Get a National Bison Day T-shirt
Many volunteer groups try to raise funds this day to support Bison. Choose your favorite National Bison Day T-shirt designs and proudly wear it showing your support for the national American mammal
Interesting facts about National Bison Day:
Here are a few interesting facts about Bison
- Bison is North America’s largest land mammal
- Bison have a lifespan of 20 years
- The male Bison can grow up to 6 feet tall and weigh nearly 2000 pounds
- The female Bison grows up to 5 feet tall and weigh 1000 pounds
- The calves will have a reddish coat at birth and are nicknamed as “red dog”.
- The fully-grown Bison will have shaggy coats that are dark brown to black
- Bison have a strong sense of hearing and smell but poor eyesight.
- The Bison’s hump is a composition of long vertebrae that support the muscle allowing it to plow through snow.
- The fossil accounts reveal that Bison has been a native continuously to Yellowstone since the prehistoric period
- Bison can run up to 35 mph i.e., as fast as a horse. Their agile characteristic allows them to jump high fences and make quick turns
- The Bison tail displays its mood. If it’s hanging down and swinging naturally, the bison is calm. If its tail is straight up, run for our lives.
History of National Bison Day:
The National Bison Day was initiated in 2012 by conservationists and Native Americans for their concern for the American Bisons.
The Senate passed a resolution in 2015, recognizing the first Saturday in November as National Bison Day. The resolution was headed by Sen. Michael Enzi and Sen. Joe Donnelly and co-sponsored by a mix of other senators.
This resolution was hugely supported by the Vote Bison Coalition consisting of more than 50 tribes, businesses, and organizations led by the Wildlife Conservation Society, National Bison Association and Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council.
President Barack Obama on May 9th, 2016 declared the American Bison as the national mammal of the U.S. further signifying the National Bison Day cause.