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The '''American bison''' is a species of wild cattle of the family Bovidae, and the largest living terrestrial animal in North America.  At one time bison herds roamed the plains and valleys from western [[Canada]] down to [[Mexico]], serving an important part of [[Native American]] survival; bison population was estimated to be around 30 million animals before the arrival of European settlers in North America.  Excessive hunting - done in part to control Native Americans - led to a massive decline where they were once on the brink of extinction by the turn of the 20th century.  Today, the total number of wild animals is estimated at more than 30,000 individuals. The species is classified as "near threatened" because of its dependence on protective measures and the small size of individual herd populations.

The '''American bison''' is a species of wild cattle of the family Bovidae, and the largest living terrestrial animal in North America.  At one time bison herds roamed the plains and valleys from western [[Canada]] down to [[Mexico]], serving an important part of [[Native American]] survival; bison population was estimated to be around 30 million animals before the arrival of European settlers in North America.  Excessive hunting - done in part to control Native Americans - led to a massive decline where they were once on the brink of extinction by the turn of the 20th century.  Today, the total number of wild animals is estimated at more than 30,000 individuals. The species is classified as "near threatened" because of its dependence on protective measures and the small size of individual herd populations.

In May 2016, President Barack Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act<ref>https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr2908/text</ref>, which makes the American Bison next to the bald eagle the national animal of the United States of America<ref>https://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/north-american-bison-national-mammal-us-222975</ref>.

In May 2016, President Barack Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act,<ref>https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr2908/text</ref> which makes the American Bison next to the bald eagle the national animal of the United States of America.<ref>https://www.politico.com/story/2016/05/north-american-bison-national-mammal-us-222975</ref>

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