National Bison Day

National Bison Day is celebrated every year on the first Saturday of November across the United States. This special day pays tribute to the majestic American bison — a symbol of strength, resilience, and the rich natural heritage of North America. Once numbering in the tens of millions, bison nearly disappeared from the Great Plains due to overhunting and habitat loss in the 19th century. Thanks to decades of conservation efforts by Indigenous nations, environmental groups, and the U.S. government, the bison has made an inspiring recovery and now stands proudly as the national mammal of the United States.

History of National Bison Day

The observance began in the early 2010s as part of a grassroots campaign led by the Wildlife Conservation Society and Native American tribes. Their goal was to raise awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of the American bison. In 2016, the National Bison Legacy Act was signed into law, officially naming the bison the national mammal of the United States and lending permanent recognition to this annual celebration.
Since then, National Bison Day has grown into a unifying day for communities, conservationists, and tribal nations to honour the animal’s central role in America’s history and the ongoing work to ensure its survival in the wild.

Why is National Bison Day important?

The American bison holds a deep connection to the land, ecosystems, and cultures of North America. It shaped the grasslands that sustain countless other species and provided food, clothing, and spiritual meaning to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The near-extinction of the species was a powerful reminder of human impact on nature — and its recovery represents hope and renewal.
National Bison Day reminds people that conservation success is possible when respect for wildlife meets dedicated action. The day encourages learning, appreciation, and continued stewardship of one of America’s greatest natural icons.

Here are some of the key reasons:

• It celebrates the bison as a symbol of strength, endurance, and recovery.
• It honours the cultural and spiritual importance of bison to Native American tribes.
• It highlights the success of conservation efforts after near extinction.
• It inspires future generations to protect wildlife and natural habitats.
• It reminds Americans of the shared responsibility to care for the land and its creatures.

How to Celebrate (or Observe) National Bison Day

Celebrating National Bison Day can be both educational and inspiring. Families, schools, and communities can participate in local wildlife events, learn about tribal restoration projects, or explore the ecological role of bison in prairie habitats. Many national parks and nature reserves offer special programs and tours where visitors can safely see bison herds up close.
Even simple actions, like reading about bison history or sharing educational posts online, help spread awareness. Supporting conservation groups or visiting a bison refuge connects people directly with nature and the legacy this species represents.

Here are some practical ideas:

• Visit a national park, wildlife refuge, or ranch where bison live and observe them responsibly.
• Learn about Indigenous efforts to restore bison populations and ecosystems.
• Watch a documentary or read about the American bison’s comeback story.
• Share a photo or message of appreciation using #NationalBisonDay.
• Donate to or volunteer with an organization that supports bison conservation.

National Bison Day Dates Table