WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has signed into law a resolution that makes the bison the national mammal of the United States.
Lawmakers spearheading the effort say the once nearly extinct icon deserves the elevated stature because of its economic and cultural significance in the nation’s history.
Millions of bison once roamed the Great Plains. About 500,000 now live in the U.S. but most of those have been cross-bred with cattle, and are semi-domesticated. Only about 20,000 are considered wild.
Supporters of the legislation say they believe the recognition will elevate the stature of the bison to that of the bald eagle, long the national emblem, and bring greater attention to ongoing recovery efforts of the species.
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A mammal that we drove off it’s range, pursued and killed to near extinction, and now eat.
Great symbolic choice.
Way to go BHO. Takin’ care of business!!
The only alternative choice was the weasel.
Tatanka!
Great move. Bison rock.
I would have suggested that thing that lives on Trump’s head.