American Bison 1872 Mug

The American Bison once covered the Great Plains and much of North America, and were critically important to Native American populations. Sadly, during the 19th century, settlers killed some 50 million bison for food, sport, and to deprive Native Americans of their most important natural asset. The once enormous herds were decimated, with only a few hundred animals remaining. Today, bison numbers have rebounded somewhat, and about 500,000 bison live on preserves and ranches, with the single largest wild herd of American Bison living in the 3,500 square miles of Yellowstone National Park.