National Bison Day

National Bison Day is observed on the first Saturday of November, celebrating the American bison and its place in the natural and cultural heritage of North America. The day highlights bison’s cultural, ecological, and economic importance and offers a chance to learn about conservation and the grasslands and communities connected to bison.

How National Bison Day Started

National Bison Day was established to celebrate the bison and raise awareness of its importance. According to the National Park Service, legislation designated the first Saturday of November each year as National Bison Day. The exact origin of the observance is not well documented.

The day also draws attention to the American bison’s national significance. According to a 2026 Senate resolution, the North American bison was adopted as the national mammal of the United States on May 9, 2016. The resolution also recognizes bison as a historical and cultural symbol of the country.

A Symbol of the Grasslands

American bison are the largest land mammals native to North America. Their broad heads, shaggy shoulders, and curved horns make them easy to recognize. Despite their size, bison can move quickly, so observing them from a respectful distance is important.

Bison are closely linked to prairie ecosystems and are part of the natural communities found in grasslands. Their significance is also cultural and economic: a 2026 Senate resolution recognizes their connections to the economic and spiritual lives of many Indigenous tribes.

Many Native American tribes revere bison as sacred and spiritual symbols of their heritage. According to the National Bison Association, tribes maintain private bison herds on tribal lands throughout the West. The National Park Service describes efforts to restore and sustain wild bison populations with the help of tribes, federal agencies, and landowners.

Ways to Celebrate National Bison Day

You don’t need to live near a prairie to take part. Try one of these thoughtful ways to mark the day:

• Learn about bison conservation. Explore information from a wildlife or conservation organization, and find out how efforts to care for bison help protect the species.
• Visit a safe viewing area. If a wildlife refuge, park, or preserve near you has bison, follow its rules, stay well back, and never approach or feed the animals. Use binoculars or a camera zoom for a closer look.
• Explore Indigenous perspectives. Seek out resources created by Indigenous nations or Indigenous-led organizations to learn about the enduring cultural importance of bison.
• Discover prairie habitats. Take a walk in a local grassland or nature area, notice the plants and wildlife, and learn about the habitat.
• Share what you learn. Tell family or friends one new thing about bison, or choose a book, documentary, or museum exhibit about North American wildlife.
• Support responsible conservation. Consider volunteering with a local habitat group or supporting an organization whose work you have taken time to understand.

Last updated October 22, 2026.

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