Although they are superficially similar, the American and European bison exhibit a number of physical and behavioral differences.
Adult American bison are slightly heavier on average because of their less rangy build, and have shorter legs, which render them slightly shorter at the shoulder.
American bison tend to graze more, and browse less than their European relatives, because their necks are set differently.
Compared to the nose of the American bison, that of the European species is set farther forward than the forehead when the neck is in a neutral position.
The body of the American bison is hairier, though its tail has less hair than that of the European bison.
The horns of the European bison point forward through the plane of its face, making it more adept at fighting through the interlocking of horns in the same manner as domestic cattle, unlike the American bison which favors charging.
American bison are more easily tamed than the European, and breed more readily with domestic cattle.
Although they are superficially similar, the American and European bison exhibit a number of physical and behavioral differences. Adult American bison are slightly heavier on average because of their less rangy build, and have shorter legs, which render them slightly shorter at the shoulder. American bison tend to graze more, and browse less than their European relatives, because their necks are set differently. Compared to the nose of the American bison, that of the European species is set farther forward than the forehead when the neck is in a neutral position. The body of the American bison is hairier, though its tail has less hair than that of the European bison. The horns of the European bison point forward through the plane of its face, making it more adept at fighting through the interlocking of horns in the same manner as domestic cattle, unlike the American bison which favors charging. American bison are more easily tamed than the European, and breed more readily with domestic cattle.
American bison