The buffalo is known to have a "fight to the death" bully attitude. Traditionally they are scared of nothing and very confident of their ability to defend against any intruder. It is no wonder that a grizzly bear or a pack of wolves would only attack the weak. For eons of time Buffalo have provided Indians with food, shelter, and tools. The Indians wasted nothing. White man entered the equation with their high-tech rifles and the railroad brought along buffalo hunters. Killing buffalo became a pastime. In the attempt to control Indians, government officials saw the need to destroy their food source. Ammunition was given away to achieve this goal. Industrial greed took its toll. After 15 years of slaughter, only 200 Buffalo remained. By 1883 Buffalo would roam no more. |
Buffalo - American Bison - Monarch of Plains- the Supreme ruler, all the same shaggy beast. Bulls could easily weigh 2000lbs and stand six feet at the shoulder. |
In the 1860's they were 60 million strong, dominating the landscape. It was often said, “Buffalo were so plentiful that a man could walk horizon to horizon on their backs and never touch the ground.” Herds could be 100 miles across, taking days to pass; when stampeded they can run a distance of 30 miles, at 30 miles an hour. |
Huge windpipes supply air to enormous lungs, mouths open wide, black tongues flop in the wind, as they trample everything in their path, leaving pursuers in a cloud of dust. Armed with sharp horns and deadly hooves, a mane 8” long protects their massive skulls; a “wool like” coat protects them from extreme weather conditions. They wallow in dirt to cleanse themselves and shield their body from biting insects. |
Embedded deep in North American history, Buffalo have left a rich and unequalled legacy of feeding a struggling nation in its infancy. An integral part of early-day Wild West Shows and now in rodeo the Buffalo deserve the right, and have paid the price, to truly be: a celebrated American icon! - John Payne |
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