American bison

The American bison (Bison bison), also known as the American buffalo, is an American bovine species that once roamed North American in very large herds, with the historical range being described as the Great bison belt, later almost hunted to extinction in the 19th century. In the mid-20th century, recovery efforts have expanded, with around 31,000 wild bison today. 2 subspecies have been recognized, the plains bison, found in plains in the United States, and the wood bison, found in Canada and Alaska. It is the second largest living bovid in the world, only behind the Asian gaur.