Bison More than a National Mammal in North Dakota

The Bison roamed across the U.S. long before the land had its name.

And now they are getting recognition.

But North Dakota is more widely known for its herd that follows NDSU.

President Obama signed the Bison Legacy Act that would make the bison our national mammal.

But for North Dakota, the bison represents more than a just a mammal.

We talked to NDSU students about their new found respect for their favorite mascot.

Not only is NDSU known for agriculture and athletics, it’s also known for its mascot.

A mascot that now has ties to the entire country.
 
“I don’t think we want to associate the real bison with yellow and gold,” said NDSU Meat Lab Manager Austen Germolus.
 
“I’m happy they chose the bison over any other mammal, because no other mammal really says North America like the bison,” said NDSU student Sarah Hazelett.
 
Now thanks to President Obama, these creatures are considered a national mascot.
 
“I think it’s a great symbol of the United States and what we are as a country. A strong powerful animal,” adds Germolus.
 
When it comes to bison, NDSU is the place to go.

But for some people, this mammal is much more than just a logo.

“It’s totally cool man, the bison is just such a majestic animal,” said NDSU Professor of Animal Sciences, Eric Berg. “Involvement with humans brought them to the brink of extinction, and then to come back, persevere, and now to be recognized. It’s just so important nationally as well as here in North Dakota.”

For this professor, the bison being named a symbol for our nation only adds to the list of things to be proud of…and for us as Americans, it adds to our history and the legacy left for the next generation.

“The expansion westward, I think it’s a very vital part of our natural history of American.”

And if you’re wondering about the Bald Eagle, don’t worry.

It will stay our national bird and our national emblem.

Betsy Harmsen, KVRR News.