National News

Campaign launched to make bison official national mammal

Posted: May 25, 2012 5:10 PM by KBZK
Updated: May 25, 2012 7:35 PM

Should bison be the official national mammal? Some people are saying, "yes."

The Wildlife Conservation Society, Intertribal Buffalo Council and National Bison Association are launching a campaign to make the North American bison the national mammal of the United States.

The announcement coincides with the introduction of the National Bison Legacy Act in the U.S. Senate, which if passed would officially designate bison as the national mammal, according to a press release.

The bill, which was introduced by U.S. Sens. Michael Enzi (R-WY) and Tim Johnson (D-SD), acknowledges the efforts that Native Americans, bison producers, conservationists, sportsmen, educators and other public and private partners, are making in recognizing bison for its cultural, economical and ecological significance across the American landscape.

Sens. Enzi and Johnson introduced the legislation at the request of a coalition of bison producers, tribal representatives and conservationists that plan to celebrate the first Thursday of each November as National Bison Day.

The coalition's campaign will ask the public to "vote for bison," while highlighting the many ways that bison have shaped America's history, economy, culture and landscapes.

The public can follow the campaign by visiting www.votebison.org.