Is that a buffalo... or a bison? If you’ve ever visited a U.S. national park or watched a Western movie, chances are you’ve heard people refer to those massive, shaggy animals as “buffalo.” But here’s the twist—they’re actually bison! Meanwhile, true buffalo roam the grasslands of Africa and the rice paddies of Asia.
These animals may look alike, but they’re entirely different species with unique traits, behaviors and histories. We’ll break down the major differences between bison and buffalo, explore why the confusion exists plus how you can see them up close at Wild Florida Adventure Park!
Is There A Difference Between Bison and Buffalo?
Yes! Bison and buffalo are different animals. American bison belong to the genus Bison, while true buffalo—like water buffalo—belong to a different group called Bubalus. Despite their separate family trees, they share a few similarities.
Both are ruminants, meaning they have four-chambered stomachs that help them digest tough grasses. They spend much of their time grazing and tend to stick together in herds for safety and social connection. They also belong to the same subfamily, Bovinae, and are members of the larger bovid family (Bovidae).
Bison and water buffalo may seem similar, but their features tell a different story. Bison have thick, shaggy coats, low-hanging heads, shoulder humps, and short, curved bison horns. Water buffalo, by contrast, have thinner coats, level heads, no hump, and long, crescent-shaped horns.
While bison mostly remain wild, water buffalo have spent thousands of years living alongside people in Asia and India. They've played a major role in agriculture and daily life, assisting with plowing, transport and providing milk and meat.
Quick Look: Bison vs. Water Buffalo
.png?width=1024&height=768&name=Comparison%20Table%20List%20Infographic%20Graph%20(1).png)
The Water Buffalo
Water buffalo have been helping people for thousands of years, doing everything from pulling carts to plowing fields. In fact, water buffalo are considered some of the most important farm animals in the world.
True to their name, water buffalo are excellent swimmers. They love cooling off in rivers, lakes and muddy ponds, which helps them stay comfortable in hot climates and keeps pesky bugs away. Their wide hooves and strong legs make it easy for them to glide through the water, and they can even hold their breath for up to five minutes!
But their talents don’t stop at the farm or the water’s edge. Water buffalo milk is known for being richer in fat and protein than cow’s milk, making it perfect for indulgent cheeses like mozzarella di bufala. From muddy ponds to mozzarella, water buffalo have made their mark everywhere!
The American Bison
Towering and tough, the American bison holds the title of the largest land mammal in North America. Once numbering in the millions, these majestic animals were a vital part of Native American life—providing food, clothing, tools, and spiritual meaning.
By the late 1800s, bison were nearly wiped out due to overhunting. Today, they’re listed as Near Threatened, but protected herds—like those in Yellowstone National Park—are carefully managed to help keep the species going strong.
Bison are often seen wallowing in dust. These shallow dirt pits help them stay cool and fend off bugs. Wallows can even support other small species, making them an unexpected part of the ecosystem.
So... Why the Name Mix-Up?
It all started when European settlers arrived in North America and spotted these hulking, horned animals. They thought they looked like the buffalo they knew from Africa and Asia and the name stuck. Even today, songs like “Home on the Range” mention “the buffalo roam,” even though they’re actually talking about bison.
So technically, “buffalo” isn’t the right name for American bison... but it’s one of those language quirks that’s here to stay. Now that you know the difference, you can impress your friends with your bovid smarts during your Drive-thru Safari Park!
Come See the Difference for Yourself
You don’t need to trek to Yellowstone or travel across the globe to see American bison and water buffalo. At Wild Florida’s Drive-thru Safari Park, you can get a front-row seat to these incredible animals and many more all from your own vehicle. Don’t just read about them. Come meet them for yourself!
