Could the Bison Be Our National Mammal?
With your help, the bison could join the bald eagle as a symbol of the United States. The Vote Bison campaign asks citizens to write their senators and ask them to sign the National Bison Legacy Act so the iconic animal can become our national mammal.
Why The Bison?
Exactly what makes this creature qualified to represent our great country? Besides being the nation’s largest animal, they’re also an important aspect of Native American culture and are considered a symbol of the American West.
Not only is the animal already the official mammal for Wyoming, Oklahoma and Kansas, you can find him on two state flags and he's the symbol for the Department of the Interior. So its safe to say the bison has paid his patriotic dues.
According to a Bronx Zoo press release, several senators have already backed the bill, including co-sponsor Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York who endorsed the legislation last week.
“The story of the American bison is the story of America —our history, and our ability to grow stronger every day,” said the senator.
So what are you waiting for, buffalo lovers? Go vote!
Photo: Thinkstock
More from Vetstreet.com:
11 Truly American Dog Breeds
Fascinating Facts: Presidential Pets in the White House
Bald Eagles Making a Remarkable Comeback
7 Animals With the Longest Life Spans
pics, advice, info and stories for pet lovers
-
Puppy survives alone in car for a month
Tow lot employee finds abandoned pup.
-
10 reasons pets make better partners than people
Animals, says Dr. Patty Khuly, are the best listeners in the world and don’t care that you’ve just been dumped or laid off.
-
11 celebrities who speak for animals
With all the glitz and glamour that comes out of Tinseltown (not to mention the endless tabloid fodder), it's not always obvious that many celebrities are animal lovers, too.
-
How to break 7 common bad dog habits
"No! Bad dog!" How many times have you scolded your misbehaving canine with those words? Probably too many. But before you fly off the handle, one of the most important things to understand about correcting bad behavior is that punishment doesn't work.
-
Should your pets ride loose in the car?
Your dog loves sticking his head out the window, but imagine the tragic results of disregarding his (or your) safety.
-
How this vet talks to kids about pet death
Death is a natural part of life, but it's never easy to understand. Here are some tips when the time comes to talk to your kids about pets passing.
-
Dog vs. cat: which pet is better?
Are you a 'dog person' or 'cat person'?
-
8 most wrinkled dog breeds
Whether they're on small pups like the Pug or huge ones like the Mastiff, adorable wrinkles are the envy of many a dog lover — which is exactly why we set out in search of the canine world's most wrinkled breeds.
-
Top 11 questions you should ask yourself before you adopt a pet
Adopting an animal is a major commitment. Yet all too often people put more effort into researching what kind of car to get than the type of pet that would best fit their lifestyle.
-
20 animals that are going extinct
From certain species of butterflies, zebras to horses and cockatoos, you might be surprised that some of our favorite creatures are dying out.
-
Multifunction feline design: Furniture for both you and your cat
Creating a cat-friendly home means incorporating elements that accommodate your cat’s natural instincts to climb, scratch and rest. Why not look for furniture that gives kitty what she needs and offers function for you too?
-
10 household plants that are dangerous for dogs and cats
You may not realize that these are toxic to your critters - keep your pets away from these household plants.
