American bison and European bison

A European bison bull on the left and American bison bull on the right. European bison photograph courtesy of Rewilding Europe (www.rewildingeurope.com).

Many people in the United States think of bison (Bison bison) or "buffalo" as an animal unique to North America like the wild turkey.  In fact, there is a very rare species of bison native to Europe and Asia called the European bison (Bison bonasus) currently living in several European countries.

While the two species have many similar features, I have read that there are some differences.  A good general description of the differences between the two species can be found on page 621 of the 1889 Annual Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution:

The European bison, or zubr (Bison bonassus), bears very close resemblance to its American relative, but is a little taller, not so heavily built at the fore quarters, and lack the shaggy hair about the head and neck that give the American bison so fierce an appearance.  Although never existing in such enormous numbers as the American bison, the zubr in early days seems to have very generally inhabited the forests of Central Europe.  Caesar found the animal in Germany and Belgium, and some were brought to Rome, where they were slaughtered in gladiatorial exhibitions of the Coliseum.

Though this publication describes the American bison as having a more fierce appearance, I certainly wouldn't want to hang around if I came face-to-face with either of the bison species in the above photograph. 

Much like the American bison, the European bison has suffered near extinction at the hands of humans.  While thier numbers are still relatively low, groups like Rewilding Europe are working to reestablish the species in Europe and will hopefully help prevent the loss of this increadable animal.