Congress OKs bison as U.S. mammal

A small group of bison is seen grazing in Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner, Mont., in this March 9, 2016 photo.
A small group of bison is seen grazing in Yellowstone National Park near Gardiner, Mont., in this March 9, 2016 photo.

WASHINGTON -- Congress approved legislation to make the bison the national mammal of the United States in an effort to elevate the animal's stature to that of the bald eagle, long the national emblem. There has not been an official mammal of the United States.

The Senate gave final approval to the bill Thursday, two days after the House approved it. It now goes to the president's desk.

Lawmakers called the bison -- North America's largest land animal -- the embodiment of American strength and resilience and said it reflects the nation's pioneer spirit.

"The bison has been an important part of our culture for many generations, especially in New Mexico, across the West and in Indian Country," said Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. "Recognition of our new national mammal will bring a new source of pride for Americans -- just like the bald eagle" and bring greater attention to ongoing species recovery efforts, he said.

Supporters said the bison legacy bill would afford overdue recognition to a species that has cultural and ecological significance. Bison already appear on two state flags -- Wyoming and Kansas -- and the official seal of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

"No other indigenous species tells America's story better than this noble creature," said Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo. "The American bison is an enduring symbol of strength, Native American culture and the boundless Western wildness."

About 30,000 wild bison roam the country, with the largest population in Yellowstone National Park.

Bison also are scattered in public, tribal and private lands in the U.S. and Canada. A much larger number -- more than 300,000 animals -- are in commercial herds.

A Section on 04/29/2016

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