Current Conservation Status For American Bison:
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Near Threatened

SIZE

Height: 4-6 ft
​Weight: 790-2,000 Pounds

DIET

Herbivorous - 

LIFESPAN

Wild Lifespan: 15 years
Captive Lifespan: 25 Years

HABITAT & RANGE

Bison are found primarily in national parks, state parks, and reserves. You may see some surrounding Yellowstone in Montana. American bison can be found in open plains, savannas, and grasslands.

The American Bison is described by the US Department of the Interior as "one of the greatest conservation success stories of all time."

Crafted from the hides of the iconic American buffalo, this material has a rich history steeped in the heritage of the American West. Before bison leather became a symbol of rugged luxury, it was deeply valued by Indigenous peoples across America, serving as a cornerstone of their culture and survival. Every part of the bison was used, with the leather playing a pivotal role in creating everything from robust tipis that withstood the harsh elements to durable clothing and practical tools that lasted generations.

Field Notes | A Teton Leather Bison Product

This historic appreciation laid the groundwork for what has become a heritage material in today's luxury leather goods market, merging ancient traditions with contemporary craftsmanship. It’s more than just leather; it’s a piece of American history, crafted into every seam and stitch.

The grains in bison leather are more pronounced than commonly used steerhide, giving each piece a distinctive character that ages beautifully over time. Plus, bison leather is surprisingly soft to the touch, offering comfort along with toughness.

Perfect for crafting premium leather goods that stand the test of time, bison leather is a top pick for anyone looking to combine practicality with prestige.

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How has conservation impacted American Bison?

• The Department of the Interior looks after 19 bison herds made up of a total of 11,000 bison found over 12 states and 4+ million acres (source)

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• The DOI works with bison conservation partners including Native American tribes to share the privilege of looking after America's national mammal (source)

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• Once numbering ~30 million and ranging across the United States and in Canada and Mexico, bison were hunted to near extinction, with only several hundred remaining by the 1870’s (source)

 

• Yellowstone National Park partnered with other organizations starting in 2022 to more than double their conservation program's capacity and lower the number of animals sent to slaughter (source)​​

Department of the Interior Bison Conservation Initiative

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​Conservation and ethical use is an incredibly important subject that deserves time and attention.

This informational section of our website is under constant construction and no information will be uploaded without intensive research into the topic/species first. 

We understand you may want information on a certain species. Please keep in mind each species we utilize WILL be added to this page and we appreciate your patience while we gather accurate information for you. 

*Source information will be listed when applicable