About the Series 60 million American bison, commonly known as buffalo, once thundered across the prairies of North America — until 1889, when they were almost driven to extinction.

While technically inaccurate, it has become commonplace for the North American bison to be referred to as the buffalo. The buffalo has become a symbolic and important part of the CU culture and lore.

The American Bison, also known as the buffalo, is an absolute icon of North America, with its native range stretching across grasslands in Canada, U.S., and Mexico.

The population of bison, North America's signature charismatic mammal, went from around 60 million in 1800 to just 300 by the dawn of the 20th century.

The North Dakota-based North American Bison Cooperative built up such huge unsold inventories that the federal government bailed them out last year, not exactly good press for a growing industry ...

At one point, less than 1,000 remained in the wild. Thanks to conservation efforts, the number of North American bison is now estimated to be upwards of 600,000 and growing.

At one point, less than 1,000 remained in the wild. Thanks to conservation efforts, the number of North American bison is now estimated to be upwards of 600,000 and growing.