The bison is back and better than ever

By Melissa Croninon Apr 26, 2016Share

Congratulations to the lumbering, humbling bison. It’s set to become America’s new national mammal.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the National Bison Legacy Act, the rare truly bipartisan bill that’s earned endorsements from Native Americans, conservationists, and ranchers. Since the Senate passed the bill in December, it only takes President Barack Obama’s signature to become official.

The bill launches the 10,000-year-old species to a distinction only held by the bald eagle. It’s a big upgrade for an animal that was once nearly hunted to extinction, but has recovered to a population of about 500,000 in North America.

Despite all this attention, it doesn’t mean that bison are getting special treatment. On the contrary, national designation won’t keep them from being used for food, so the mighty animal will still face hordes of jerky-hungry hipsters.

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The bison is back and better than ever