The question of whether “buffalo” roam in New York State involves both a biological clarification and a look at modern conservation. The large, shaggy animals found in North America are scientifically known as American Bison (Bison bison), and they do not exist in the wild in New York today. However, small herds are maintained across the state in managed settings, serving roles in conservation, education, and agriculture. The bison was once a part of the state’s natural history, but its current presence is entirely controlled by human efforts.
Clarifying the Terminology: Buffalo vs. Bison
The term “buffalo” is a persistent misnomer for the American Bison, likely adopted by early European explorers who mistakenly associated the animal with the Old World’s true buffalo species. True buffalo are found exclusively in Africa and Asia, including the massive African Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the domesticated Asian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). These animals belong to different genera within the Bovidae family than the American Bison.
Distinct physical traits separate the two species. The American Bison is characterized by a prominent shoulder hump, a massive head, a thick, shaggy coat, and a noticeable beard. In contrast, true buffalo species lack the hump, have a smoother coat, and possess much larger, more dramatically curved horns.
Current Status of Bison Populations in New York
While there are no free-ranging herds, the American Bison is present in New York within controlled environments, primarily on private farms and in zoological parks. Across Upstate New York, many ranches raise bison commercially as livestock for meat production. These operations fall under the regulations of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, similar to cattle farming.
These private herds are a significant part of the state’s bison population, often numbering in the dozens, with some farms allowing public viewing or selling bison products. Beyond agriculture, bison are also maintained for educational and conservation purposes in institutions like the Bronx Zoo and the Buffalo Zoo. The Bronx Zoo played a historically significant role in the species’ recovery efforts.
Historical Presence of Bison in the Region
Despite their association with the American West, American Bison were historically native to parts of New York State before European colonization. The animal that inhabited this region was likely the Eastern Woodland Bison, an ecotype whose range extended eastward to the Atlantic Seaboard. Evidence suggests that bison were present in the western and central portions of the state, including the area near Onondaga Lake.
These eastern populations became locally extinct much earlier than the massive herds of the Great Plains. Hunting pressure and habitat fragmentation from early settlement quickly pushed the species out of the region. Historical accounts indicate that large groups were present as late as the early 18th century, with reports of settlers killing hundreds of bison around 1730.
The Origin of the Name Buffalo, New York
The name of New York’s second-largest city, Buffalo, traces its origin to the local waterway, Buffalo Creek, now known as the Buffalo River. The exact reason the creek was named remains a subject of historical debate, as bison had largely disappeared from the immediate area before the city’s founding. The earliest known reference to “Buffalo Creek” appeared on a map drawn in 1764 by a British military engineer.
Several theories exist regarding the origin of the name. One suggests the name is a corruption of the French phrase Beau Fleuve, meaning “beautiful river,” possibly mispronounced by English speakers. Another possibility is that the name derived from an anglicization of a local Native American name, such as the Seneca name Došowëh. The most plausible theory is that the creek was named after a Native American man who lived nearby and was known by the name “Buffalo.”