Why do bison separate into male and female herds?

Thanks for asking. I was unaware of this until now, but it makes sense. It is common in social and gregarious animals for one sex or the other to leave the natal group before they reach sexual maturity. This is an adaptation for avoiding inbreeding. read more

Pretty cool that bison do this! I hope I can remember to tell my animal behavior class next week, because we just talked about this phenomenon in ground squirrels. read more

Female bison live in maternal herds which include other females and their offspring. Male offspring leave their maternal herd when around three years old and either live alone or join other males in bachelor herds. Male and female herds usually do not mingle until the breeding season, which can occur from July through September. read more

Bison are not listed as a threatened or endangered species. Approximately 30,000 bison live in public and private herds in North America; they are managed for conservation goals. read more