Bison Size vs. Hippopotamus Size

Attribute	Bison Size	Hippopotamus Size
Weight	Up to 2,200 pounds	Up to 3,300 pounds
Height	Average of 5-6 feet at the shoulder	Average of 4-5 feet at the shoulder
Length	Up to 10 feet	Up to 15 feet
Habitat	Grasslands and forests	Rivers, lakes, and swamps
Diet	Herbivorous, mainly grasses	Herbivorous, mainly grasses

Physical Characteristics

Bison, also known as buffalo, are large, muscular mammals with a hump on their shoulders and a thick coat of fur. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand over six feet tall at the shoulder. Their horns are short and curved, and they have a shaggy mane on their neck. In contrast, hippos are massive, barrel-shaped animals with short legs, a huge mouth, and large tusks. They can weigh up to 3,000 pounds and reach lengths of over 15 feet. Hippos have a nearly hairless body and spend much of their time in the water to stay cool.

Habitat and Range

Bison are native to North America and can be found in grasslands, prairies, and forests. They once roamed in large herds across the Great Plains but are now primarily found in national parks and reserves. Hippos, on the other hand, are native to Africa and can be found near rivers, lakes, and swamps. They spend most of their time in the water, coming ashore at night to graze on grass. Hippos are known to be territorial and can be aggressive if their space is invaded.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Bison are herbivores, feeding on grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. They graze for most of the day, using their large, muscular tongues to pull up plants from the ground. Bison are ruminants, meaning they have a multi-chambered stomach that allows them to digest tough plant material. Hippos, on the other hand, are herbivores as well, but they primarily feed on aquatic plants. They can consume up to 80 pounds of vegetation in a single night and use their massive jaws to crush tough plants like water hyacinths and reeds.

Social Structure

Bison are social animals that live in herds, typically led by a dominant male known as a bull. The herd is made up of females, known as cows, and their offspring. During mating season, bulls will compete for the attention of females by engaging in displays of dominance. Hippos, on the other hand, are more solitary animals, with males establishing territories along the water's edge. They are known to be aggressive towards intruders, especially during the breeding season when males will fight for access to females.

Reproduction and Offspring

Bison mate in the late summer and give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around nine months. The calf is able to stand and walk shortly after birth and will stay close to its mother for protection. Calves are weaned at around six months of age but will stay with the herd for several years before striking out on their own. Hippos also mate in the water, with females giving birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around eight months. The calf will stay close to its mother for protection and will be weaned at around eight months of age.

Conservation Status

Bison were once on the brink of extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped to increase their numbers in recent years. They are now considered a species of least concern, with populations stable or increasing in many areas. Hippos, on the other hand, are listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans. Their populations are declining, especially in areas where they are hunted for their meat and ivory tusks.