American bison Nov 2, 2024

Once upon a time, in the boundless grasslands of North America, there roamed creatures of great strength and majesty—the American bison. These animals were a key part of life for many Native American tribes, providing food, clothing and tools. Their population dwindled perilously low in the late 1800s, falling from as many as 60 million to fewer than 1,000 due to excessive hunting and disease. Enter a group of conservationists, ranchers and Native Americans who stepped in to save the species. Now, over 500,000 bison roam again, many in protected areas like Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States, featured in today"s image. From the buffalo nickel to state flags, they are a deeply embedded symbol in American culture. Bison are North America"s largest mammals, and they have been introduced as far away as Russia. While the bison has made a heroic recovery, the story isn"t over. These animals still face challenges, including habitat loss and hunting.

© Ian Shive/TANDEM Stills + Motion

palette

Today in History

Your TEA comes from here!
Nov 2, 2023Death Valley National Park, California
Nov 2, 2025Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Teddy bears of the sea
Blue hues and ceramic scenes of Porto
Apr 13, 2026International Dark Sky Week
Oct 10, 2024Ancient town of Sorano, Tuscany, Italy
Feb 10, 2026Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell, Ibiza, Spain
Standing on glass 900+ feet in the air
Aug 26, 2024Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
A feel of an era bygone
An apex predator
Mar 29, 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States
The pillar of democracy
Jun 30, 2024Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Hiding in the woods
Oct 7, 2024The Elbphilharmonie concert hall in Hamburg, Germany
What is this grand structure?
Nov 29, 2023New York City, USA
Oct 6, 2023Taughannock Falls State Park, New York
Mar 6, 2024Wahclella Falls, Oregon, USA
May 18, 2025International Museum Day
A day for cousins of every stripe
Mar 7, 2024Roques de Benet, Els Ports Natural Park, Catalonia, Spain
The other continent down under
Nov 19, 2024Tasmans Arch, Tasman National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Sep 11, 2024Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi
Feb 25, 2026Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, United States
Oct 18, 2023Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Sep 21, 2025Sea otters, Prince William Sound, Alaska, United States
Feb 26, 2025Maha Shivaratri
The beauty that lies below
Sep 28, 2024Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida, USA