The plains bison, also known as the American bison, is a large mammal native to North America. They are characterized by their massive heads, humped shoulders, and thick fur, which helps them survive in cold climates. Plains bison typically weigh between 1,000 to 2,000 pounds and can stand up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder. These animals primarily inhabit grasslands and prairies, where they graze on grasses and other vegetation. Once abundant across the continent, their population drastically declined in the 19th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts have since helped restore their numbers in certain areas.