The terms “bison” and “buffalo” are often used interchangeably, leading to widespread confusion about these large, horned mammals. While both belong to the Bovidae family, they are distinct animals with different characteristics and geographical distributions. This article clarifies the specific features that differentiate bison from buffalo.
Understanding Bison
Bison are characterized by a prominent shoulder hump, particularly noticeable in American species, which supports their massive heads. Their bodies are covered in a thick, shaggy coat of dark brown fur, especially dense around the head, neck, and forelegs, often forming a distinct beard. Both male and female bison possess short, sharp horns that curve outward and upward. There are two main species: the American Bison (Bison bison), native to North America, and the European Bison (Bison bonasus), also known as wisent, found in European woodlands.
Understanding Buffalo
Buffalo generally lack the prominent shoulder hump seen in bison, presenting a more symmetrical body profile. Their coats are typically smoother and less shaggy than those of bison, often appearing dark gray or black. Buffalo are distinguished by long, curved horns, which can be quite substantial; for instance, water buffalo horns can span up to 6 feet. True buffalo species include the African Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the Asian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). African buffalo are found across sub-Saharan Africa in various habitats, while Asian water buffalo are native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, preferring wet grasslands.
Key Distinctions Between Bison and Buffalo
A primary distinction is the bison’s large, muscular shoulder hump, which is absent in buffalo and allows bison to use their massive heads to clear snow when foraging in winter. Bison also have larger heads in proportion to their bodies and dense fur, including a noticeable beard, unlike the smoother-coated, beardless buffalo. Their horns also differ significantly; bison have shorter, sharper horns that curve upward, typically averaging around two feet. In contrast, buffalo horns are notably longer and more curved, with African Cape buffalo having distinctive helmet-like bases. Geographically, bison are indigenous to North America and Europe, while true buffalo species are native only to Africa and Asia.
The Origin of the Common Misnomer
The interchangeable use of “bison” and “buffalo,” especially in North America, stems from historical misidentification by early European settlers. Upon encountering American bison, these settlers, familiar with African or Asian buffalo, mistakenly applied the term “buffalo” due to a superficial resemblance. The French word “bœuf,” meaning ox or beef, also contributed to this nomenclature. Despite scientific classification clearly distinguishing bison from buffalo, the colloquial use of “buffalo” for American bison persisted. This linguistic inertia led to the name becoming deeply ingrained in common parlance and cultural references.