What’s the Difference Between Bison and Buffalo?

Introduction References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Left image alt text: Two large shaggy brown mammals grazing head-down on a grassy field, showing thick curved horns and a dense woolly coat. Right image alt text: Single large dark mammal standing among tall green vegetation, facing forward with long pale curved horns and broad ears visible.

What’s the Difference Between Bison and Buffalo?: Media

Where exactly do buffalo roam?

Images

United States

United States

The prairie of the western United States supports many animals, including the bison.

Jack Dykinga/U.S. Department of Agriculture

Interactives

Left image alt text: Two large shaggy brown mammals grazing head-down on a grassy field, showing thick curved horns and a dense woolly coat. Right image alt text: Single large dark mammal standing among tall green vegetation, facing forward with long pale curved horns and broad ears visible.

Buffalo or bison: Spot the difference.

Left shows a shaggy mane with stout, curved horns; right displays a sleeker coat...

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.