Buffalo and bison are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same animal. In North America, the animal most people commonly refer to as a “buffalo” is actually the American bison. While the names are frequently mixed up, there are clear differences between buffalo and bison—differences that matter when it comes to history, conservation, and modern ranching practices.

Understanding the distinction helps shed light on why bison play such an important role in North American ecosystems today and why ethical bison management continues to matter.

Are Buffalo and Bison the Same?

Short answer: no.

The confusion dates back hundreds of years. Early European settlers used the word “buffalo” to describe the large, shaggy animals they encountered on the Great Plains, even though true buffalo live in Africa and Asia—not North America. The name stuck, but scientifically speaking, the animal native to North America is the American bison.

What Is a Buffalo?

True buffalo belong to a different group of animals altogether. There are two primary types:

• African buffalo, found across sub-Saharan Africa
• Water buffalo, commonly raised in parts of Asia and Europe

Buffalo generally have thinner coats, longer and more curved horns, and live in much warmer climates. They are not native to North America and have no historical connection to the Great Plains.

What Is a Bison?

The American bison is native to North America and once roamed the plains in massive herds. Bison are known for their large shoulder hump, thick fur, and powerful build—features that helped them survive harsh winters and long migrations.

At their peak, tens of millions of bison shaped the prairie ecosystem, influencing grass growth, soil health, and wildlife diversity. Their presence was essential to the balance of the plains.

Physical Differences Between Buffalo and Bison

While the names are often mixed up, the animals look quite different when compared side by side:

• Fur: Bison have thick, woolly fur, especially around the head and shoulders; buffalo have sparse hair.
• Hump: Bison have a pronounced shoulder hump; buffalo do not.
• Horns: Bison horns are shorter and curve upward; buffalo horns are longer and curve outward.
• Habitat: Bison thrive in colder climates; buffalo prefer warm regions.

These physical traits reflect the very different environments each animal evolved to survive.

The History of Bison in North America

Bison were once central to life on the Great Plains, particularly for Indigenous tribes who relied on them for food, tools, and cultural practices. In the late 1800s, overhunting and westward expansion nearly drove bison to extinction, reducing their numbers to just a few hundred animals.

Thanks to conservation efforts, bison populations have rebounded—but they remain far from their historic levels. Today, responsible ranching and ethical hunting play a role in maintaining healthy herds and preserving the land they depend on.

Why Bison Matter Today

Bison are more than a symbol of the American West. They play a practical role in modern conservation:

• Their grazing patterns support healthy grasslands
• They contribute to sustainable land management
• Ethical harvesting supports population balance
• Bison meat provides a nutrient-dense, natural protein source

This “field-to-freezer” approach honors the animal while supporting conservation and responsible land stewardship.

Bison at ReWild Ranch

At ReWild Ranch, bison are managed with respect—for the animal, the land, and the experience. Conservation-minded practices, ethical harvesting, and a deep understanding of the ecosystem guide everything from herd management to the hunt itself.

For those interested in learning more about bison beyond the name, ReWild offers an opportunity to experience these animals in a way that honors their history and role on the plains.

Plan Your Stay

From the awe of the sandhill crane fall migration to the quiet beauty of a deer at dawn, Nebraska offers wildlife encounters you’ll remember for a lifetime. 

‍Book your stay at ReWild Ranch today and step into the wild heart of the Midwest.