What is the Difference Between American Bison and Buffalo?

American bison and buffalo are distinct animals, despite the fact that their names are often used interchangeably. Some key differences between them include:

1. Hump: Bison have a large hump on their back, while buffalo do not.
2. Head: Bison have a massive head, whereas buffalo have a smaller, more "cowlike" head.
3. Fur: The fur of the American bison is much thicker than the fur of a buffalo.
4. Horns: Bison horns are shorter and more pointed than buffalo horns.
5. Behavior: Buffalo are typically more docile animals, allowing them to be more easily domesticated. Bison, on the other hand, are known as aggressive and unpredictable animals.
6. Habitat: Bison are native to North America and Europe, while buffalo are native to Africa and Asia.

In addition to these differences, bison are known to have beards, while buffalo are beardless. Despite being large, horned, ox-like animals, the two species are not closely related. While bison are used for meat production in North America, buffalo are used for both meat and milk production in Asia and Africa.

Comparative Table: American Bison vs Buffalo

Here is a table comparing the differences between American Bison and Buffalo:

American Bison and Buffalo are distinct animals with different physical characteristics, habitats, and behavior. The terms "bison" and "buffalo" are often used interchangeably, but they belong to different scientific classifications and possess unique attributes.