Red Book

EUROPEAN BISON (Bison bonasus) - Category IV of conservation status – a potentially vulnerable species.

One of the symbols of our country is the European bison – a mighty descendant of the wild forest bulls that once inhabited Europe. At the beginning of the 20th century, European bison were on the verge of extinction, but thanks to the efforts of scientists, they were saved. What is so amazing about this animal?

The length of a European bison is about 3 m, and its height at the shoulder is approximately 2 m. The weight of an adult male ranges from 800 to 1000 kg. Despite its size, the animal runs fast, swims well, and moves freely through marshy, swampy areas.

The coloration of the animal depends on the subspecies and region of habitat. For example, European bison in the Białowieża Forest have grey-brown fur with a copper-brown sheen.

European bison have poor eyesight, but their hearing and sense of smell are well-developed. To get a better look at an object of interest, they try to approach it closely. These actions should not be perceived as the animal's readiness to attack, although caution is advised. In general, European bison are non-aggressive and most often run away when they see a person.

More facts about the symbol of our country can be found in the 9th issue of the magazine "Rodnaya pryroda" (Native Nature).