The white buffalo, technically an American Bison (Bison bison), is a remarkable anomaly in nature. Its distinctive coat color sets it apart from the typically brown herds that once dominated the North American plains. This rare occurrence has elevated the animal from a biological curiosity to a deeply revered spiritual figure. While the white coat is primarily the result of genetic happenstance, its appearance is studied by biologists and viewed as a profound sign by many Indigenous communities.
The Genetics Behind the White Coat
The white coloration in a bison results from genetic mutations that affect pigment production or distribution. The most common cause of a white coat is leucism, a condition resulting in a partial loss of pigmentation. A leucistic bison appears white because its hair lacks color, but its eyes remain dark because the cells responsible for eye pigment are unaffected.
Albinism, a more severe condition, is caused by a complete lack of the pigment melanin throughout the animal’s body. This is sometimes linked to a mutation in the SLC45A2 gene. A true albino bison has pure white fur, but the lack of pigment causes its eyes to appear pink or red, as the color comes only from visible blood vessels. Both leucism and albinism are inherited as recessive traits, meaning a calf must receive the mutated gene from both parents to express the white coat.
A third cause of a white coat is historical crossbreeding between bison and domestic cattle, sometimes referred to as “beefalo.” Certain cattle breeds, such as Charolais, carry a dilution gene that can result in a white or light-colored calf. These genetically mixed calves typically have dark eyes and may darken to a creamy color as they mature, distinguishing them from naturally occurring white bison.
Historical and Modern Rarity Estimates
The frequency of a true white bison birth in the wild is exceptionally low, historically estimated as one in every 10 million births by groups like the National Bison Association. This figure refers to a naturally occurring anomaly, such as an albino or leucistic calf, born into a pure, wild herd. This extreme rarity historically made the animal so significant.
Accurately tracking this rarity today is complicated by the distinction between wild and captive populations. The total population of American Bison today is a fraction of the tens of millions that roamed the continent centuries ago. While fewer than 20,000 bison are considered truly wild, the overall population is close to half a million, with the majority residing on commercial ranches.
Many white bison born recently have occurred in captive herds, where DNA testing often reveals domestic cattle genes. This crossbreeding, which occurred historically to save the species from extinction, introduced the dilution gene. This makes a white coat more common than the one-in-ten-million statistic suggests, meaning the frequency of a white calf is higher in some commercial herds than in a pure, wild population like Yellowstone National Park. Genetic testing is often required to determine if a white calf is a true genetic rarity or a result of inherited cattle ancestry.
Spiritual Significance of the White Buffalo
The importance of the white buffalo extends beyond its scientific rarity, holding deep cultural meaning for numerous Native American tribes. The most prominent tradition is found among the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people, collectively known as the Sioux Nation. The white buffalo is central to the prophecy of the White Buffalo Calf Woman (Ptesan Wi).
According to oral tradition, this sacred figure appeared during a time of famine and despair. She presented the Lakota with the Sacred Pipe and taught them the seven sacred rites, establishing a path for prayer and moral living. Before departing, the White Buffalo Calf Woman transformed into a white buffalo calf, promising to return one day as a sign of renewal.
The birth of a white buffalo calf is viewed as the fulfillment of this ancient prophecy, heralding a time of hope, peace, and prosperity. It is a powerful spiritual omen signifying a need for humanity to reconnect with the Earth and restore harmony. This reverence means that every confirmed birth of a white bison calf is met with ceremonies and pilgrimages, cementing the animal’s status as the most sacred living entity on the plains.