On 9/27/04 6:30 AM, in article x2S5d.340256$Oi.283448@fed1read04, "Jeff
Miller" wrote:

bill - since you are the expert,

SPLORK

what is the difference between a bison
and a buffalo? yellowstone literature states its animals are bison,
then gives a leaflet out warning of the dangers of buffalo?

No difference other than nomenclature. Buffalo or "plains buffalo" is a
common name by which the mammal Bison bison is known.

I'll let Professor Lott answer. From the preface of his book:

"I've given a lot of thought to whether I should call my protagonist 'bison'
or 'buffalo.' My scientist side is drawn to 'bison'. It is scientifically
correct and precise. One kind of buffalo is native to Asia and another is
native to Africa; none is native to North America. Yet the side of me that
grew up American is drawn to 'buffalo'- the name by which most Americans
have long known it. I decided to use both names: 'bison', or to be exact
'Bison bison,' places the animal precisely among the world's mammals, while
'buffalo' honors its long, intense, and dramatic relationship with the
peoples of North America."

Lott, Dale F. American Bison: A Natural History. University of California
Press, 2002. pp. xiv-xv

Bill


jeff

William Claspy wrote:

I saw the ones on
abpf, which prompted me to read Dale Lott's "American Bison: A Natural
History." Fascinating beasts, fascinating book.