European Bison

(Bison bonasus) The European bison is a true herd animal. They often move calmly and unhurriedly as they walk and forage for food. The herd usually consists of 10–30 animals and is led by an older cow with a calf. The European bison no longer lives in the wild in Sweden. It disappeared from southern Sweden just under 1,000 years ago. The European bison was exterminated in the wild around the time of World War I, but was saved thanks to the roughly 50 animals kept in 8 zoos, one of which was in Sweden. Characteristic of the bulls are the dark brown coat, a powerful shoulder section, a shoulder hump, a shaggy mane, and a short, broad head with short horns, a forelock, and a beard.