The terms “buffalo” and “bison” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct animals. While both belong to the Bovidae family, they are not closely related and exhibit clear differences in physical characteristics and natural habitats. These distinctions clarify their separate scientific categorization.
Key Physical Distinctions
Bison have a prominent shoulder hump, absent in buffalo species. This hump allows bison to plow through snow, uncovering vegetation in colder months. Bison also possess larger heads and shaggy, thick fur, providing insulation for colder climates. In contrast, buffalo species have smoother, sparser coats suitable for warmer native environments.
Horn shape and size also distinguish these animals. Bison have shorter, sharper horns that curve upwards. Buffalo species, such as the African Cape buffalo and Asian water buffalo, feature longer, wider, more curved horns. Cape buffalo horns can form a thick “boss” across the forehead, while water buffalo horns extend significantly outward. Bison also display a distinctive beard, absent in buffalo.
Geographic Origins and Habitats
Bison are found in the Northern Hemisphere, with two extant species: the American bison and the European bison. American bison inhabit North America, roaming grasslands and prairies across the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico. European bison, also known as wisent, are native to Europe, found in countries like Poland, Belarus, and Lithuania, in wooded or semi-wooded areas.
In contrast, “true” buffalo species are indigenous to Africa and Asia in the Southern Hemisphere. The African Cape buffalo is found across sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in diverse habitats from grasslands to swamps, dependent on water sources. The Asian water buffalo is native to Asia, in wetland environments like swamps and river valleys, and has also been domesticated and introduced to other continents. These distinct geographic distributions mean wild bison and buffalo do not naturally overlap in their ranges.
Addressing the Common Misconception
The widespread confusion between bison and buffalo stems from historical naming practices by early European settlers. When French fur trappers and explorers arrived in the early 1600s, they encountered the large, shaggy animals of the North American plains. They referred to them as “bœuf,” a French word for ox or beef, evolving into “buffalo” in English.
This misnomer persisted because the American bison, with its bovine appearance, superficially resembled true buffalo species. Despite being scientifically distinct, the term “buffalo” became ingrained in American English usage. Even today, “American buffalo” is frequently used, though the correct scientific classification for the North American animal is bison.