William Frederick Cody, Buffalo Bill, remains one of the most celebrated figures from the American West. His legend is intrinsically tied to a specific animal. The term “Buffalo Bill animal” refers both to the creature that gave him his famous moniker and the multitude of animals central to his global theatrical spectacle. The answer lies in the history of the American frontier and the performance stage, where the reality of a massive plains mammal was transformed into an entertainment icon.
The American Bison: Why He Was Called Buffalo Bill
The animal responsible for William F. Cody’s enduring nickname is the American Bison, the massive grazing mammal of the Great Plains. Cody earned the name “Buffalo Bill” while working as a professional hunter providing sustenance for railroad construction crews. He contracted with the Kansas Pacific Railroad in the late 1860s to provide fresh meat for crews pushing west across the plains.
Cody was tasked with supplying bison meat to the crews laying track, a demanding job that required exceptional skill and endurance. He held this job in 1867 and 1868, during which time he claimed to have killed approximately 4,280 American bison in an eighteen-month period. This immense volume of kills cemented his reputation and the “Buffalo Bill” title.
The nickname was further secured through a publicized contest against another hunter, Bill Comstock, for the exclusive right to the title. Cody won the shooting match by a margin of 68 animals to Comstock’s 48. This focused hunting, while establishing his personal legend, contributed to the broader, systematic destruction of the American bison herds that nearly led to the species’ extinction.
Animals of the Wild West Show
After establishing his fame as a scout and hunter, Cody founded the elaborate touring production known as Buffalo Bill’s Wild West in 1883. The show featured a massive cast of animals central to recreating frontier life for audiences across the United States and Europe.
Highly trained horses formed the backbone of the show, used for precision trick riding, military drills, and dramatic re-enactments. These steeds were essential for signature events, such as the Pony Express ride and the mock attack on the Deadwood Stagecoach. The show also incorporated cattle, typically Texas Longhorns or steers, used in roping and herding demonstrations that showcased genuine cowboy skills.
Bison continued to be a draw, though their role changed from a hunted resource to a staged spectacle. They were often included in staged buffalo hunts, simulating the wild plains and the drama of the chase. Due to the show’s massive scale, hundreds of animals, including elk, deer, and donkeys, were moved and cared for as part of the traveling company.
Clarifying the Terminology: Bison Versus Buffalo
The animal Cody hunted is the American Bison (Bison bison), native only to North America and parts of Europe. True buffalo are an entirely different genus, native only to Africa and Asia. The two main species are the African Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the Asian Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee).
The physical differences are distinct. The American Bison has a prominent hump over its shoulders, a thicker, shaggier coat, and a large head, which helps it forage through snow in cold climates. True buffalo have a more uniform coat and large, often curved horns.
The American colloquialism “buffalo” likely originated with early French explorers who called the animal le bœuf, meaning “ox” or “beef.” Despite the scientific inaccuracy, the name “buffalo” became deeply ingrained in the American vocabulary.