The Bison. Ever Inspirational.

How Does the Bison Inspire You?

Strength. Family. Maturity. Hope. Defender. Power. Determination. Unpredictable.

All attributes embodied by the Bison. 

Which do you find inspiring?

In the vast tapestry of North American wildlife, few creatures embody the spirit of the continent quite like the American bison. These magnificent animals, with their powerful bodies and deep-rooted historical significance, are more than just a species — they are living symbols of resilience and wilderness.

Several artists at Sorrel Sky Gallery find inspiration from these mammoth beasts. On canvas or in a photograph, with bronze, gold, or silver, they capture this icon of the West. Named the national mammal of the United States in 2016, our love for and fascination with the American bison continues. Enjoy these paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and photographs, along with a few fascinating facts. 

Once, millions of bison — called buffalo by many — thundered across the Great Plains, their hooves creating a rhythmic percussion that echoed across an untamed landscape. These enormous mammals, weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing six feet tall at the shoulder, were not just passive inhabitants of the ecosystem but active architects of the prairie environment.

Often called nature's landscape designers, bison grazing patterns stimulate grass growth. Their heavy bodies create wallows that become crucial water collection points for other wildlife, and their movement patterns help distribute seeds across vast grassland territories. Where they roam, biodiversity flourishes — the heartbeat of the prairie ecosystem.

For Indigenous tribes across North America, bison were far more than a food source. They were spiritual beings, critical to survival, and deeply woven into cultural practices. The relationship between Native Americans and this revered animal was holistic — every part of the animal was used, from meat and hides to bones and sinew, reflecting a profound respect for the natural world.

The 19th century brought seismic changes. Westward expansion and unrelenting hunting, drove bison to the edge of extinction. By the late 1800s, from tens of millions, their numbers plummeted to mere hundreds. 

In the early 20th century, against amazing odds, the bison began a remarkable recovery, Through dedication and tireless efforts to protect and reintroduce them to their native ranges, today, there are approximately 31,000 wild bison in North America. Yellowstone National Park is the only place in the U.S. where bison have continuously lived since prehistoric times. What makes Yellowstone’s bison so special is that they’re the descendants of early bison that roamed our country’s grasslands. In 2021, the population was estimated at 5,450 — making it the largest on public lands. This population is allowed to roam relatively freely over the expansive landscape of Yellowstone National Park and some nearby areas of Montana.

The largest mammal in North America, male bison (bulls) weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand 6 feet tall. Females (cows) weigh up to 1,000 pounds and can reach a height of 4-5 feet. Calves weigh between 30-70 pounds at birth. Despite their massive size, bison are surprisingly agile. They can run up to 35 miles per hour, jump high fences, and possess incredible swimming capabilities. 

Bison herds are matriarchal, led by experienced females. Males typically live separately, joining herds during mating season. These complex social dynamics ensure herd survival and genetic diversity. 

The average lifespan is 10–20 years, but some live to be older. Cows begin breeding at the age of two and only have one calf at a time. For males, the prime breeding age is six to 10 years. A newborn calf is sometimes called a "red dog." They tend to arrive from late March through May and are orange-red in color, earning them this nickname. After a few months, their hair starts to change to dark brown and their characteristic shoulder hump and horns begin to grow.

Contrary to their seemingly stoic appearance, bison are highly communicative. They use a complex array of vocalizations, body language, and even infrasound — low-frequency sounds humans cannot hear — to communicate across great distances. Another is its tail. When it hangs down and switches naturally, a bison is likely calm. If its tail is standing straight up, it may be ready to charge. But since they're unpredictable, it could charge at any moment. 

Bison primarily eat grasses, weeds, and leafy plants — typically for 9-11 hours a day. That’s where its large protruding shoulder hump comes in handy during the winter. It allows them to swing their heads from side to side to clear snow — especially for creating foraging patches. Their feeding habits have been known to help ensure the diversity of prairie plant species, especially after a fire.

While bison and buffalo are used interchangeably, in North America the scientific name is bison. Technically, it’s Bison bison bison ... as in, genus: Bison, species: bison, subspecies: bison. However, saying it once is fine. Historians believe “buffalo ” came from the French word for beef, “boeuf.”