National Bison Month: Seeing the Bison in All of Us
July marks National Bison Month, a time to celebrate North America's largest land mammal and discover what these magnificent creatures can teach us about resilience, authenticity, and living with purpose.
Understanding the American Icon
Though we often use the terms interchangeably, bison and buffalo are different animals. In North America, the scientific name for what we commonly call buffalo is actually Bison bison bison (representing the genus, species, and subspecies). The confusion likely stems from early French explorers who called these animals "boeuf," their word for beef, which eventually morphed into "buffalo."
On May 9, 2016, the American Bison rightfully claimed its place as the National Mammal of the United States—a big ‘ol symbol of our national identity and the untamed spirit that faces challenges head-on.
A Sacred Connection
For countless generations, the American Bison and Native American peoples shared an inseparable bond. Millions of bison once thundered across the continent in vast herds that seemed endless, deeply woven into the fabric of indigenous cultures—providing food, clothing, shelter, and spiritual significance.
As these great herds migrated across the plains, they shaped the very land itself. Like nature's gardeners, bison dispersed native grass seeds through their fur and hooves, created wallows that became seasonal pools for other wildlife, and grazed in patterns that promoted plant diversity. Their presence created a living mosaic of habitats that supported countless species.
But the westward expansion of European settlers in the 1800s dramatically changed the American landscape. Through habitat loss and excessive hunting, the bison population plummeted from millions to hundreds by the century's end. This sacred connection—between bison, land, and people—faced near-extinction.
Yet like walking through a storm, the bison endured. They survived. They returned.
“Be the Bison”: A Story
We cannot celebrate National Bison Month without sharing one of our favorite stories. Yes, it's true– sharing this story is half the intent of the post. You’ll understand. Here it is:
Picture this: A blizzard tears across the Great Plains, winds howling at many miles per hour, snow falling so thick you can barely see ahead. Cattle turn their backs to the storm, drifting helplessly with the wind until they pile up against fences or tumble into ravines.
But the bison do something different. They do something remarkable.
They face the storm head-on and walk directly into it.
This isn't stubbornness; it's ancient wisdom. By moving into the storm rather than running from it, bison pass through the worst weather more quickly. They know the storm is coming no matter what and meet their challenges head-on. They endure the immediate discomfort to reach calm skies sooner. While others huddle and wait, hoping the storm will pass, bison take action. They trust their strength, their thick coats, and their instincts. They know that the only way out is through.
This behavior embodies everything the American Bison represents—and everything we need to remember about facing our own storms.
Where Giants Still Roam
Today, you can witness these storm-walking giants in their natural habitats across the continent. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to the rolling prairies of Wind Cave National Park and Custer State Park in South Dakota, bison continue to shape the American landscape. They graze in Montana's National Bison Range and American Prairie Reserve, walk the beaches of Utah's Great Salt Lake at Antelope Island State Park, and graze across Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
Wild herds also persist in the grasslands of Kansas at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and Konza Prairie Biological Station, while smaller populations thrive in Minnesota, Texas, Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska, Alaska, and Wisconsin.
Mish & Lor’s most recent Bison sighting: Antelope Island State Park at the Great Salt Lake, Utah | Spring 2025 on the road footage
The Bison Within Us All
The bison's storm-walking wisdom perfectly captures what these magnificent animals represent: authenticity, resilience, and intentional living. Like the bison, we are naturally migratory beings, driven to seek richer experiences—not by escaping harsh environments, but by moving with purpose and awareness.
In our world of instant gratification and constant distraction, the bison reminds us to slow down and focus on truly experiencing life. When storms inevitably arise—we face a choice. We can turn our backs and drift, or we can lower our heads, plant our feet, and make our way forward.
We are all the bison. Each of us carries the same strength that brought these animals back from the brink of extinction. We possess the same ability to face our storms with calm determination, to push through adversity, and to emerge stronger.
As we celebrate National Bison Month, let's embrace the bison mentality. Let's commit to accessing our true nature, facing our challenges directly, supporting our people like the herd, and moving through life with the quiet confidence of creatures who know their own strength.
After all, we don't just love the bison. In our finest moments, we are the bison.