The terms “bison” and “buffalo” are frequently used interchangeably, yet they refer to two groups of biologically distinct animals. Both are massive, hoofed mammals belonging to the family Bovidae, which also includes domestic cattle, goats, and sheep. Despite this common lineage, significant differences exist in their genetics, native habitats, and physical characteristics.
Biological and Geographical Identity
Bison belong to the genus Bison, which includes two extant species: the American Bison (Bison bison) and the European Bison, or wisent (Bison bonasus). The American Bison is native to North America, historically ranging from Alaska to the Gulf of Mexico. The European Bison is primarily found in parts of Europe, such as Poland and Belarus, sharing a common evolutionary history on northern continents.
In contrast, the animals properly called buffalo are found on different continents and belong to two separate genera, making them more distant relatives of bison. The African Buffalo, or Cape Buffalo, belongs to the genus Syncerus and lives in sub-Saharan Africa. The other true buffalo is the Asian Water Buffalo, which falls under the genus Bubalus and is native to South Asia.
Key Physical Distinctions
A pronounced hump located over the shoulders is a key identifier of the bison, which is absent in true buffalo species. This massive hump is composed of muscle supported by long spinal processes. It allows the bison to use its large head like a plow, sweeping away deep snow to find winter forage, a feature unnecessary for buffalo living in warmer climates.
Bison possess a shaggier coat, especially around the head, neck, and forelegs, which insulates them against harsh cold-weather environments. Their heads appear larger and are carried lower than a buffalo’s, often featuring a distinct, thick beard of hair. Buffalo, conversely, have shorter, thinner, and more uniform coats across their bodies, better suited for their tropical and subtropical habitats.
Bison horns are relatively short, sharp, and curve upward from the sides of the head. Buffalo horns tend to be larger and more sweeping; the Cape Buffalo’s horns form a heavy, helmet-like base called a boss. The horns of the Asian Water Buffalo can be especially impressive, sometimes reaching a span of up to six feet, the longest of any bovid.
The Origin of the Misnomer
The confusion over names dates back to the 17th century when early European explorers and settlers encountered the American Bison. Unfamiliar with the animal, they mistakenly applied the term “buffalo” due to a superficial resemblance to the Cape and Water Buffalo species known from the Old World. Many historians trace the misnomer to the French word bœuf, meaning “ox” or “beef,” which French fur trappers used for the bison. Over time, this word was anglicized and corrupted into “buffalo,” becoming culturally ingrained in North America.