Difference Between Bison vs Buffalo
If you have a keen interest in animals, you will certainly enjoy reading this piece because it explores the difference between buffalo and bison. While the two creatures share certain similarities (such as order and class), this tutorial will walk you through the key distinctions between them.
These differences are often seen in their weight, geological location, physical traits, classification based on the food they eat, lifespan, and other factors. From the foregoing, this article will be very interesting. To find out all that and more, you should read this guide to the end. Before going into the contrasts, you need to understand the definitions.
Definition of Bison
A bison is also known as the American buffalo because it is North America’s largest mammal. With a growth range of 7 to 11.5 feet, they are able to survive and do well in protected areas. It is little wonder these creatures are naturally found in national parks and farms.
Well, they also come in different color mixes. These include black, dark brown, and maroon. Not surprisingly, its weight is massive at around 1400 kg. For those who may want to see them in large numbers, they naturally live in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For sustenance, these animals depend on grazing, making them herbivorous creatures. It is pretty easy to see them in cold and rugged wilderness areas.
With a lifespan ranging from 13 to 21 years, they live a decently long life. A close look at their physical attributes reveals that they have a thick beard around the neck. Additionally, they have a gigantic body structure and a huge hump on the back. Even though their horns are comparatively small, they are very sharp. These are their key features.
Definition of Buffalo
A buffalo is a class of animals that is commonly found along the lengths and breadths of Africa and Asia. They have black or dull black fur and are robust creatures that have strong survival instincts. Upon further inspection, they have a height range of 3.3 to 5.6 feet.
With a weight of 800 to 1200 kg, it is safe to say that they are relatively heavy. They are also herbivorous animals because they survive by munching on grass. One can easily notice their short fur, and their horns are actually not too sharp.
For anyone looking to see plenty of them, focusing on rocky areas will be a good idea. The reason is that they consider such places a natural habitat. Yet, there are some of them that enjoy lounging in the water. By and large, the cape group lives between 15–25 years while the water-loving group can survive up to 25–30 years. Now, let’s proceed to the difference between bison and buffalo.
Main Differences Between Bison vs Buffalo
The table below summarizes this bison vs buffalo topic.
| Basis of Comparison | Bison | Buffalo |
| Fur | Relatively thick fur | Short fur |
| Color | Black, dark brown, or maroon | Black or dull black |
| Weight | About 1400 kg | Approximately 800–1200 kg |
| Physical attributes | 4 feet, big hump, and massive build | 4 feet with a massive frame but never have a hump |
| Beard | A thick beard along the neck axis | No beard |
| Horns | Sharp longhorns for self-defense and fighting | Their horns are never sharp |
| Lifespan | Ranges from 13 to 21 years | While the cape group lives 15 to 25 years, the water-loving group lives for 25 to 30 years |
Difference Between Bison and Buffalo: Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide on buffalo vs bison describes the differences between the two mammals. The table above summarizes how they differ in physical attributes, habitat, lifespan, etc. While you can find the former in Africa and Asia, the latter is often seen in North America.
It is crucial to point out that they are both herbivores. However, bison feed on grass and hay whereas buffalo would prefer a field of just grass alone. These are the fundamental contrasts these two amazing and powerful creatures have. Those who are fortunate enough to see them in person are impressed by the experience.
