American bison, often colloquially known as buffalo, reside in Colorado. These large mammals, once roaming the Great Plains in vast numbers, have a significant historical presence in the state. While their wild populations faced near extinction in the 19th century, conservation efforts have led to their re-establishment in various managed herds across Colorado today. They represent a resilient part of the state’s natural heritage, subject to ongoing conservation and reintroduction initiatives.
Understanding the Terminology
Though often used interchangeably, “buffalo” and “bison” refer to distinct animals. True buffalo, like the Asian water buffalo and African Cape buffalo, are native to Africa and Asia. Bison are found in North America and parts of Europe. American bison possess distinguishing features: a large shoulder hump, bigger head, and shaggy coat with a beard, absent in true buffalo.
The common usage of “buffalo” for American bison likely originated with early European explorers, possibly from the French word “boeuf” (beef). Despite this historical misnomer, scientific classification differentiates American bison from their African and Asian counterparts. Both bison and buffalo belong to the Bovidae family, which includes domestic cattle, but they are not closely related.
Where Bison Roam in Colorado
American bison are found in several Colorado locations, from open prairies to mountain parklands. One prominent location is the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, northeast of downtown Denver, where bison roam across 6,300 acres. This herd, started with 16 bison in 2007, has grown, with approximately 40 calves born annually. Visitors can observe these bison and other wildlife via an 11-mile Wildlife Auto Tour.
Other notable herds are maintained within the Denver Mountain Parks system. Genesee Park, west of Denver, hosts a herd of two to three dozen bison, descended from Yellowstone National Park’s last wild herd. Established in 1914, this herd was part of early conservation efforts. Daniels Park in Highlands Ranch also manages a bison herd, populated from the Genesee Park herd in 1938. These parks provide large natural settings.
Beyond public viewing areas, bison are also found on private ranches and in other conservation herds. The Southern Plains Land Trust manages a herd on the 25,000-acre Heartland Ranch Nature Preserve in Bent County. The Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd, linked to the Yellowstone herd, roams across 2,700 acres at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space in Larimer County. The Southern Ute Tribe also maintains a herd, established in 1984, now numbering 115 bison.
Viewing Bison Responsibly
Observing bison can be a memorable experience, but requires adherence to safety guidelines for the well-being of visitors and animals. Bison are large, powerful, unpredictable wild animals, capable of running up to 35 miles per hour. Maintain a significant distance, at least 25 yards (about 23 meters) from bison, and further for cows with calves or during mating season (July to August). Some parks recommend 100 meters (about 109 yards).
Approaching or feeding bison is strictly prohibited; it can habituate them to humans and lead to dangerous encounters. If a bison shows signs of agitation (snorting, head shaking, pawing the ground, or raising its tail), slowly and calmly back away. If a bison approaches, create distance, and if possible, find cover behind a large object like a tree or vehicle. When viewing bison from a vehicle, such as on wildlife drives, stay inside your car. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for viewing, as bison tend to be more active.