No, the bison at Yellowstone #NationalPark in #Wyoming haven’t learned to fly. Yet. Despite weighing as much as 2,000 pounds, #bison are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. They can jump over objects 5 feet high and have excellent hearing, vision and sense of smell. Photographer Alex Walczak witnessed their power when he took this wonderful picture, “There was a whole group of them rolling around and I noticed a young bison running all over the place on the hill. I got this photo while it was in the middle of jumping and kicking like a bronco. After about 5 minutes of racing around, this young bison calmed down.” We guess it just needed to burn off some energy. Photo courtesy of Alex Walczak.

#ICYMI we’re looking back on our favorite posts of 2020. 10/10 in our #Top10of2020 #highlights #usinterior

Roam, bison style, under a gorgeous sky. The magnificent Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma includes 8,570 acres of designated wilderness and beautiful places to roam. Home to approximately 650 American bison, this stunning prairie land also provides habitat for bison, white-tailed deer, elk, Texas longhorn cattle, and more than 240 bird and 50 mammal species. Photographer Debra Gail explains why this photo means something to her,  "I am overwhelmed by the emotions I feel when having the opportunity to photograph in this extraordinary place. I love the bison’s symbolism because they are the largest land animal in the United States, and the refuge is on the Great Plains, a land on which I feel most connected.“ Photo courtesy of Debra Gail.

Reflect on this. From an estimated population of almost 60 million animals roaming throughout North America, bison reached a low of 100 in the wild in the late 1800s. Established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, the National Bison Range in Montana has played an important role in the successful recovery of these magnificent animals. Mostly rolling grasslands, the range is framed by mountain ranges and spotted with wildlife including elk, deer, pronghorn and bighorn sheep as well as coyotes, mountain lions, bears, bobcats, over 200 species of birds and of course, majestic bison. Photo by Dave Fitzpatrick, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Buffalo National River in Arkansas flows pure and clear over a 132-mile meandering course through grassy meadows and by rocky bluffs. Its ancient current gives life to well over 300 species of fish, insects, freshwater mussels and aquatic plants. In addition to the thriving aquatic life, on land there are many more natural wonders to behold: caves with hidden formations, untrodden passageways, tall waterfalls and old pioneer farmsteads that provide food for elk, whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail and many other species of wildlife. Settle on a rock by the river and you’ll see for yourself. Photo by John Bingaman (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The Niobrara Valley in Nebraska is home to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and 76 miles of the Niobrara National Scenic River. The valley boasts dramatic bluffs, gorgeous waterfalls, world-class fossil resources, rich forests, wide grasslands and incredible wildlife diversity. Over 350 bison live on the refuge, letting visitors enjoy iconic scenes like this sunset. Photo by Kristen Maxfield, National Park Service.

Happy National Bison Day! 

We’re celebrating our national mammal with this pic of a bison and its baby at Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Public lands managed by Interior support 17 bison herds – or approximately 10,000 bison – in 12 states, including Alaska. 

Check out more interesting facts about bison:  http://on.doi.gov/1Oc7VXg 

Photo courtesy of Rich Keen, DPRA.

If not for the foresight of a few individuals including Theodore Roosevelt, the American bison could have become extinct. Hunted to the edge of annihilation, by the early 20th century only a few small herds remained. In 1956, 29 bison were brought from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska and released in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Here they roam freely on 46,000 acres and number in the hundreds. Photo by National Park Service.

Bison calves born this spring are growing quickly, building relationships and learning survival skills. Sometimes called “red dogs” because of their orange coats, bison calves are slowly becoming dark brown like their parents. Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa has a small herd of bison in a 700-acre enclosure and visitors can safely observe them from the visitor center or the auto route tour. Photo by Joanna Gilkeson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Say hello to our new national mammal! Today the American bison officially joined the ranks of the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of the U.S. when President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act into law. And much like the eagle, the bison is one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time. 

Explore 15 fun facts about bison – like did you know you can tell a bison’s mood by its tail: http://on.doi.gov/1Oc7VXg

Photo of a baby bison and its momma at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in Colorado by Rich Keen, DPRA.

It’s the best time of year! The first baby bison of spring was recently spotted at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. Calves are orange-red in color and can walk within 3 hours of birth. Before long, nursery groups of calves will romp around together, but never far from their mothers’ watchful eyes. Video by Deb Lee Carson, National Park Service.