Differences between Bison and Buffalo
Bison vs. Buffalo
Though the terms bison and buffalo are often used interchangeably in North America, they refer to distinct animals.[1][2] Both are large, hoofed mammals belonging to the Bovidae family, but they are not closely related.[1][3] True buffalo species are native to Africa and Asia, whereas bison are native to North America and Europe.[4][5] The misnomer in North America is believed to have originated with early European explorers or French fur trappers who likened the unfamiliar bison to the buffalo they knew from other continents.[1]
The American bison (*Bison bison*) is the national mammal of the United States. Historically, they roamed in massive herds across North America, from Canada to Mexico. Two subspecies exist: the Plains bison (*Bison bison bison*) and the Wood bison (*Bison bison athabascae*). The "true buffalo" consist of two primary groups: the Cape buffalo (*Syncerus caffer*) of Africa and the water buffalo (*Bubalus bubalis*) of Asia.[5]
Physical differences between bison and buffalo are clear. Bison are characterized by a large shoulder hump, a massive head, a thick beard, and a shaggy coat that they shed in the warmer months.[1][3] Buffalo lack this prominent hump, have a smaller head, and do not have a beard.[4][1]
Comparison Table
| Category | Bison | Buffalo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Genera | Bison | Syncerus (African buffalo), Bubalus (Asian buffalo) |
| Native Continents | North America, Europe[4] | Africa, Asia[4] |
| Shoulder Hump | Large and prominent[4][1] | Absent[4][5] |
| Head Size | Massive and broad[3] | Smaller and more proportional to the body |
| Horns | Short and sharp, curving upward[4][3] | Long and curved; can span several feet[4] |
| Coat | Thick, shaggy fur, especially in winter; sheds seasonally | Thin coat with shorter hair |
| Beard | Present[4] | Absent[4][1] |
The large hump on a bison's back is composed of muscle, which allows it to use its head to plow through snow in winter to find vegetation.[4] Buffalo, living in warmer climates, do not have this feature. Horn shape is another key differentiator. Bison have shorter, sharper horns that curve upwards, while buffalo horns are much larger, with some water buffalo horns reaching spans of over six feet (1.8 meters).[4] Cape buffalo horns have a distinct shape, often fusing in a helmet-like structure on the head before curling downwards and back up.[1]
While the Cape buffalo has never been domesticated due to its unpredictable nature, the water buffalo has been domesticated for centuries in Asia, where it is used for agriculture and as a source of milk and meat. Bison in North America have also been raised commercially for their meat, which is known for being lean.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "si.edu". Retrieved December 09, 2025.
- ↑ "dictionary.com". Retrieved December 09, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "alaskawildlife.org". Retrieved December 09, 2025.
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 "britannica.com". Retrieved December 09, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "ifaw.org". Retrieved December 09, 2025.
