Yellowstone National Park is one of the last places in the United States where American bison still roam as they did centuries ago. Seeing hundreds of these huge animals lumber across the valleys is one of the park’s most famous sights. Casually known as buffalo by many visitors, these iconic mammals have a fascinating history and play a big role in Yellowstone’s ecosystem. Here are eight things to know about the buffalo in Yellowstone National Park.
They Help Shape the Entire Ecosystem
Bison are considered a keystone species because their daily movements and activities benefit many other plants and animals. As they graze, they stop certain grasses from taking over while creating space for a greater variety of vegetation to grow. Their wallows (the shallow depressions they dig to roll around in) collect rainwater, inadvertently providing habitats for insects and small critters. Even their feces support insects, which in turn become food for birds and other animals.