In some ways, the American bison differs from domestic cattle or oxen. It is larger, with a broad, hefty head that is carried low and cannot be raised to shoulder height. The bison also has a prominent hump at the shoulders, massive forequarters, and 14 ribs as opposed to 13 in cattle. The fur is coarse and shaggy, and it is dark brown in color. It grows particularly long on the head, neck, and shoulders, and typically develops a beard on the chin. A white bison is produced on rare occasions; these exceptional individuals were greatly revered – even worshipped – by American Indians. Both sexes of bison have short, upcurved horns, with the cow’s being smaller. Bison are enormous, powerful creatures. A mature bull reaches approximately 2 metres (6.5 feet) tall and weighs more than 900 kilograms (1,980 pounds). The female is around 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and weighs approximately 320 kg (700 pounds).

photo credit: Tony Harman

Tony Harman
A CU Boulder alum and sports photographer, Tony Harman is also a pioneer in the video game industry and has had leadership positions in the industry for over 25 years.  Tony was the Director of Development and Acquisitions for Nintendo from 1989 to 1996, where he help Nintendo dominate the video game industry and was in charge of dozens of #1 industry hits, including creating the concept of Donkey Kong Country, which became the number one selling game of all time when it was released. Tony now works out of Boulder and photographs on the side, specializing in sports photography for CU Boulder.
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