National Bison Day is observed on the first Saturday in November to honor the bison’s historical, ecological, and cultural contributions to the U.S. First celebrated in 2012, National Bison Day was officially recognized in 2016, the same year the American bison was designated as the National Mammal of the United States. Historically, the bison was essential to the lives of many Native American tribes, while today the American bison is valued as a keystone species aiding prairie restoration. In honor of National Bison Day, A-Z-Animals has compiled a list of seven bison-related items in celebration of these majestic animals.
Adopt a Bison
This adorable bison plushie is yours with a donation to the World Wildlife Fund.
©Courtesy of worldwildlife.org
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Adopt-A-Bison initiative is a fundraising program that supports WWF’s work protecting plains bison and restoring their prairie habitat. By donating through the adoption program, individuals fund efforts that help establish and grow bison herds, restore grasslands, and create economic opportunities for Indigenous communities by supporting jobs in areas such as herd management and infrastructure development, including the building and maintenance of facilities and trails. WWF Adopt-A-Bison donors receive a personalized certificate with a $25 donation, and both a certificate and a bison plushie with a $60 donation.
Buffalo Wool Company
These colorful beanies are knit of bison wool, which is exceptionally soft.
©Courtesy of thebuffalowoolco.com
Buffalo* Wool Co. is on a mission to keep folks warm this winter. While it seems counterintuitive, bison wool is soft, often compared to cashmere. The softest wool comes from the bison’s downy undercoat, which is lightweight and insulating but not as prickly or itchy as sheep’s wool. Bison wool is also significantly more insulating than sheep’s wool. However, bison wool is much less widely available. Fear not, Buffalo Wool Co. has you covered from head to toe—literally. From caps and scarves to gloves and socks, Buffalo Wool Co. has a wide assortment of winter outerwear accessories made of bison wool, including these super warm diamond cabled beanies, $32.
*American bison are often referred to as buffalo, though they are scientifically distinct animals
Bison Puzzle
Puzzle fanatics will no doubt be driven to the brink of insanity by this 550-piece bison puzzle.
©Courtesy of the North American Bison Dscovery Center
Madd Capp Games I Am Bison puzzle features a unique animal head-shaped border and a random-cut design that makes it more challenging than a standard 550-piece puzzle. Unlike standard rectangular puzzles, the lack of straight edges adds a layer of difficulty, as it’s not possible to start by assembling a uniform border. The puzzle features a realistic image of a bison, including numerous pieces of fur in similar colors that present a significant challenge. The random-cut, interlocking pieces are made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials. The completed puzzle measures 30 x 25 inches. Suggested for ages 10 and up, Madd Capp Games‘ I Am Bison puzzle is $27.99.
Buffalo and Baby Tote Bag
Shopping bags are a practical gift that most folks appreciate.
©Courtesy of yellowstoneparknationallodges.com
The Buffalo and Baby Shopper Tote Bag features illustrations of a buffalo and its calf. The durable canvas bag measures a generous 17 inches wide by 15 inches tall, with a 5 3/8-inch wide gusseted bottom. The shopper tote features webbed handles that are strong enough to accommodate heavy loads. The Buffalo and Baby tote ($12.99) is sold exclusively through the official Yellowstone National Park Lodges online store and in-park gift shops.
Custom Metal Sign
Located in Holland, Michigan, Lakeshore Metal Decor offers a wide variety of custom metalwork.
©Courtesy of lakeshoremetaldecor.com
Lakeshore Metal Decor’s Bison Outdoor Monogram is a customizable, weather-resistant metal sign featuring the silhouette of a bison surrounded by trees. The sign, suitable for display indoors or outdoors, provides space for 25 characters of custom text. Laser-cut from heavy-duty 16-gauge steel, the Bison Outdoor Monogram is available in 5 different powder-coated finishes: black, copper vein, copper, blue, and red, and five sizes: 12-, 18-, 24-, 30-, and 36-inch diameters. Lakeshore Metal Decor‘s Bison Outdoor Monogram runs from $34.95 to $199.99, size dependent.
Trucker Hat
This cap lets folks know that you stand with the herd.
©Courtesy of thenationalparkstore.com
Sold by The National Park Store, this trucker hat features an olive-drab colored cotton front and a white polyester mesh back. A patch that says to Respect the Locals surrounds the image of a bison. This one-size-fits-all, adjustable cap with a snapback closure fits head sizes 6-5/8 to 7-5/8 inches. Available through The National Parks Store website, the Support The Locals bison hat is $29.99.
T-shirt
This bison would rather be playing bluegrass than eating it.
©Courtsey of Viking Goods Co.
Featuring the comic image of a bison playing a banjo, this 100% cotton Bella+Canvas t-shirt from the Viking Goods Co. is sure to elicit a smile or two. The Viking Goods Co. shirt is available in 12 colors, including mustard (pictured), orchid, rust, baby blue, and military green. Sizes range from XS ($32.99) to 4XL ($37.99). Viking Goods Co., located in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, has an entire line of graphic t-shirts depicting a variety of animals playing musical instruments.
