Lincoln

Buffalo, Georges Gardet, 1930
Cute, isn't he? But he wouldn't make a very good pet, considering a male buffalo can weigh up to 2,500 pounds! What we in North America call a "buffalo" is actually a bison. True buffalo are found in Asia and Africa, but belong to the same family as bison. Bison formerly roamed the North American continent, grazing on prairie grass. Around 1900, they nearly became extinct. Today there are over 20,000 bison. To insulate themselves during winter, bison grow a thick, dark coat which is then shed in the spring.