National Mammal - It's Official !!!!!

    -- Dave Carter, Executive Director, National Bison Association   April 27, 2016

The Bison Legacy Act passed both houses of Congress to designate the American Bison, commonly referred to as the buffalo, as the National Mammal of the United States in April 2016.

1. The Bison represent the first conservation success story for the United States, coming back from the brink of extinction in the early 1900s with the help of President Teddy Roosevelt and the Bronx Zoo.


2. Bison are integral to Native American culture (Choctaw in southern Mississippi and Louisiana) and contribute millions of dollars to the U.S. economy through ranching and recreation each year.


3. Congress came together to agree on a symbol of unity, resilience, and healthy landscapes and communities for all Americans.

As the national mammal, bison join the oak (national tree designated 2004), the rose (national floral emblem designated 1998), and the bald eagle (national emblem designated 1782 at the 2nd Continental Congress) as official symbols of America.

http://www.bisoncentral.com/news/american-icon-congress-passes-bill-make-bison-our-national-mammal