Commonly referred to as “Buffalo,” the American Bison was all but extinct only 200 years ago.  Once roaming across most of the US, their homes included open prairie and woodland habitat.  Following the invasion of European settlers the bison were unceremoniously slaughtered in obscene numbers for their hides, to destroy the food source of America’s former inhabitants, and often just for sport.  Over the last 150 years, however, these massive icons of the American frontier have made a remarkable recovery!  Bison now roam throughout a number of national parks in large herds.  There are even intentions among conservation groups and others of slowly reintroducing the iconic American Bison to far more of their former range!