See a Burly Bison Shoves Its Head Into a Car Window and Licks Passengers With its Long Tongue

What’s like a fast food drive-through, but zany? How about a drive-through safari? The short clip below gives us a firsthand perspective on what that’s like! As the video starts, the action has already begun, and a massive bison is saying “hello” to a pair of tourists through their car window. It also looks like a second one is trying to check things out, but there’s simply not enough space. The curious bison who was lucky enough to peek in decides to lick the amused lady. The safarigoers then decide to appease the giant beast with some snacks, struggling to both control the critter and get the food into his mouth. After successfully munching down a few morsels, the folks bonk him on the nose a few times. Seeing that as his cue to leave, the bison finally leaves these two alone and exits the vehicle. Scroll further on to see this entertaining encounter for yourself!

See This Unexpected Guest Up Close and Personal

Are Bison Actually Buffaloes?

There’s a bit of confusion on this topic, especially when referencing the American bison. You see, the animals known as bison found within North America were once called buffaloes. However, while both are wild cattle, bison belong to the Bovina family which is remotely related to the Bubalina, or true buffalo, family. The name buffalo is thought to have been popularized when European settlers first saw these critters. The general idea is that, upon discovering bison, these people compared them to animals like Cape and water buffaloes. Although researchers found much later that the species only have a small amount in common, the name buffalo stuck around. Hence, it’s likely why you might hear the word more often than their true name.

What Do Bison Symbolize?

As a species native to North America, the mighty bison has been a vital companion to Native Americans for centuries. Indigenous peoples from all across the continent held this animal in high regard, both as a food source and a spiritual icon. Back when these creatures had a much larger natural range, Native Americans could coexist with these gigantic bovines, only hunting them as needed for sustenance. In addition to providing large amounts of meat, bison also gave hunters bone, hair, and hide materials to craft daily items from. Objects like clothing, ropes, and boats were all possible thanks to the spoils of hunting bison.

With that said, many Native Americans revered bison as a sign of abundance and balance, as well as fertility and prosperity. Due to the hardy nature of this enduring animal, they were also commonly a totem of determination and power.