A bison in the grasslands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA

The giant that came back. Bison

One of North America's most remarkable animals, the bison is a powerful symbol of strength, resilience and conservation. Weighing as much as 900 kilograms (2,000 pounds) and capable of running up to 55 km/h (35 mph), bison are surprisingly agile. Despite being commonly called buffalo, American bison are a distinct species known for their massive shoulder hump, curved horns and shaggy coats that help them thrive through harsh winters. Once pushed to the brink of extinction, bison have made an inspiring comeback thanks to conservation efforts across Canada and the United States, making them a powerful example of successful wildlife recovery.

In Theodore Roosevelt National Park, plains bison, Bison bison, roam the rugged badlands as keystone engineers of the mixed-grass prairie. Their selective grazing clears dense thatch to stimulate fresh plant growth, while their hooves break hardened soil to disperse native seeds. By carving shallow dust wallows that hold seasonal rainwater, these herds sustain breeding grounds for prairie amphibians, anchoring an ecological network that once spanned the continent.