Not only am I an educator at heart, but I’m also a student! I love to learn and when I learn something interesting or beneficial, I like to share it with those around me, especially if what we learn teaches us a life lesson. So, today, I want to share some pretty interesting facts about the North American Buffalo.
Bigger Than You Think
The North American Buffalo or Bison (as it’s officially called) is the largest mammal in North America. Males can weigh up to 2,000 lbs and stand 6’ tall. Females can weigh up to 1,000 lbs and stand 4’-5’ tall. At birth, calves weigh 30-70 lbs!
Almost Gone
Although millions of buffalo roamed North America in prehistoric times, it nearly became extinct by the late 1800’s. If it weren’t for private individuals working with Native American Tribes, states, and the Department of the Interior, there would be no buffalo today. Since the last 19th century, the Department of the Interior has been the primary national conservation steward of the buffalo. It is estimated that there are 17 buffalo herds, approximately 10,000 buffalo in 12 states, including Alaska and about 1/3 of all wild buffalo are in North America (Department of the Interior).
Vegetarians
Buffalo primarily eat grasses, weeds, and leafy plants. They typically forage 9-11 hours a day for food.
Buffalo vs. Bison
There’s no difference between bison and buffalo. These words are used interchangeably in North America. The scientific name is actually bison (genus), bison (species), and bison (subspecies). Historians believe the word buffalo comes from the French word for beef which is “boeuf”.
Red Dogs and Native Americans
Buffalo calves are called “red dogs” because they are born with an orange-red coat. New calves can be seen usually from late March through May.
Buffalo and Native Americans are intertwined. Buffalo have always been integral to tribal culture, providing food, clothing, fuel, tools, shelter, and spiritual value. The Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council works with the National Parks Service to transfer buffalo from national parks to tribal lands.
Smart and Brave
During storms, buffalo are the only animals known to go directly into the storm and charge straight into its path.
Why would a strong, majestic, animal do something like head straight into a storm? Because buffalo are also very smart! They know that if they head towards the storm, the time spent in the storm decreases. Running away from the storm only delays the inevitable. By facing the storm and walking through it, they know they will eventually get out of it on the other side, sooner rather than later.
What Can We Learn?
So, how does that apply to us? Well, what are your storms? Changes in relationships, financial burdens, physical ailments, new home, new family members (babies, adult children moving back home, caring for parents), stresses from work, deployments – we could name dozens of personal storms. We all have them.
But, how does we face them?
Do we run from them?
Do we try to avoid them or pretend they don’t exist?
Do we hope they go away?
Or, do we face them head on?
I have learned that what I imagine many times is far worse than the reality of my situation. And, if I would just face whatever situation I’m hesitant to face, it actually ends up better in the long run. That doesn’t make it easier, but definitely bearable and my storms do not seem to last as long.
So, I challenge you to face your storm and head towards it and don’t do it alone. Ask for help. There are those in your circle of family and friends who would be honored to help you.
Whatever you may be going through, let those around you help you through your storm. Together you can tackle anything! And remember…
…Be like the buffalo…
