Bison and buffalo are large, horned mammals often confused due to their similar appearances, yet they are distinct animals. Both belong to the Bovidae family, which includes cattle, goats, and antelopes.
Key Physical Differences
Bison are distinguished by a large, muscular shoulder hump, which supports their massive heads and allows them to plow through deep snow for food. In contrast, buffalo species do not have this pronounced hump, exhibiting a more even and sloped back.
Their heads and horns also differ. Bison have larger, massive heads with thick, shaggy fur, often including a beard. Their horns are shorter, sharper, and curve upward. Buffalo have smaller heads and longer, more curved horns, some spanning over six feet.
Coats also reflect their native environments. Bison have thick, shaggy coats, particularly on their front quarters, for protection in cold climates. Buffalo, living in warmer regions, have thinner, less dense coats; some species, like the water buffalo, have sparse hair.
Geographic Distribution and Species
Bison are found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, with two extant species. The American bison (Bison bison) is native to North America, historically roaming vast grasslands from Alaska to Mexico. There are two subspecies of American bison: the plains bison and the wood bison. The European bison (Bison bonasus), also known as wisent, is found in parts of Europe, particularly in Poland, Lithuania, Russia, and Ukraine, after reintroduction efforts.
Conversely, true buffalo species are indigenous to the Eastern Hemisphere. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), often called the Cape buffalo, is found across sub-Saharan Africa. There are several subspecies of African buffalo, varying in size and habitat across the continent. The Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) originates from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with both wild and domesticated populations existing globally.
Why the Names Are Confused
The common confusion between bison and buffalo, particularly in North America, stems from historical misidentification. Early European settlers and French fur trappers in North America, unfamiliar with the native species, mistakenly called the American bison “buffalo” or “bœuf” (French for ox or beef animal). They applied this term because the animals bore some superficial resemblance to the true buffalo species they knew from Africa and Asia.
This misnomer became embedded in American culture and language, despite scientific inaccuracy. While “buffalo” is widely used for the American bison, especially in colloquial contexts, “bison” is the correct biological classification for animals found in North America and Europe.