Wood Bison

Bison bison athabascae

Last resort

Wood Bisons are the largest land mammals in North America. They even surpass the more well-known Plains Bisons. Mass shooting during the times of European immigrants nearly wiped out both subspecies. Due to conservation breeding in zoological gardens as well as resettlement, several thousand Bisons once again live today in national parks and conservation areas in North America.

Charakteristics

  • Origin

    North America: Canada, Alaska

  • Habitat

    northern woodlands

  • Diet

    Grass, herbs, leaves, bark

  • Status

    near threatened

  • Size

    Shoulder height up to 2 m

  • Weight

    Female up to 600 kg
    Male up to 1.000 kg

  • Gestation period

    285 days

  • Achievable age

    up to 23 years

Threat Categories of IUCN

A nomadic life

As edible vegetation in the wood bison’s natural environment is so sparse, they must travel great distances to find food. Over the course of a year, an individual wood bison will cover an area of land almost twice the size of Berlin.

Did you know?

If danger threatens, Bisons can reach top speeds of 50 km/h.
Their thick winter fur keeps them warm at minus 40 °C.

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Opening hours

Today, 28. March
9:00 - 18:30
Last admission: 17:00
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Feedings & Trainings

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