Bison Set To Become America's First National Mammal

The bison is set to join the American Bald Eagle as a symbol of the United States. A bipartisan effort to name the bison the first national mammal of the U.S. has passed in Congress and is now awaiting President Obama’s signature. In the 1800s, the bison roamed throughout the U.S., concentrating mostly in the Great Plains. But by the late 19th century, hunting led to near-extinction. Keith Aune, bison program director with the Wildlife Conservation Society, tells Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson why the bison is an American icon.

Guest

• Keith Aune, director of the Bison Conservation Program at the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Copyright 2016 NPR. To see more, visit NPR.