The Bison Of The Prairies North America S Living Legend

"The Bison of the Prairies: North America's Living Legend" delves into the captivating world of these iconic creatures, exploring their historical significance, ecological impact, and cultural relevance. From their vital role in shaping the North American landscape to their resurgence in conservation efforts, this book offers a comprehensive look at the bison's journey from near extinction to a symbol of hope. Through vivid storytelling and stunning imagery, readers will gain a deep understanding of the bison's place in the natural world and its enduring legacy as a living legend of the prairies.

Photographs and text trace the cultural and natural history of the North American bison, looking at how the U.S. government practically eliminated the buffalo in the mid-1880s in an attempt to force Native Americans onto reservations, and discussing later conservation efforts.

American bison are the largest land mammals in North America. Though up to 2000 pounds (907 kg) they are fast and rather agile creatures. Their living story is so centrally tied to the Westward Movement, Intercontinental Railroads, and a sense of insane greed that they are unlike nearly any other North American animal. Nearly extinct, they have made a massive comeback, and yet, the "wild" bison is still few and far between. Learn the characteristics of the mammoth creature, its habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and its significance in American history.

Looks at the role of the buffalo in the culture of the Plains Indians, and traces successful efforts to prevent the buffalo's extinction

The Legend of the Buffalo Stone is based on the history of the Blackfoot people—specifically their dependence on the buffalo and how they hunted the great animals on foot before horses were brought to North America—and is retold with the permission and under the advisement of a First Nations scholar and member of the Blackfoot nation. The story centres on Hanata, a young Blackfoot girl who understands the importance of the buffalo for her peoples’ survival. She not only helps to hunt the great animals, but also prepares the meat and skins and makes toys for the younger children using bison bones. She knows that without the buffalo, her people would lose their main source of food and shelter. Then, a long winter descends on the land and the buffalo disappear. Hungry and desperate, Hanata goes on a quest in search of an iniskim a stone shaped like a sleeping buffalo and possessed of powers that will make the buffalo return. After a long and dangerous journey with only basic supplies and courage in her heart, Hanata finds the stone and comes back to her village. She uses the iniskim to the call the buffalo and, sure enough, the animals return. Hanata and her people are saved. This story is ideally suited for elementary school–aged children and can easily be incorporated into the grade four and five Alberta school curriculum, which covers First Nations history and legends.

American Buffalo, which won both the Drama Critics Circle Award for the best American play and the Obie Award, is considered a classic of the American theater. Newsweek acclaimed Mamet as the “hot young American playwright . . . someone to watch.” The New York Times exclaimed in admiration: “The man can write!” Other critics called the play “a sizzler,” “super,” and “dynamite.” Now from Gregory Mosher, the producer of the original stage production, comes a stunning screen adaptation, directed by Michael Corrente and starring Dustin Hoffman, Dennis Franz, and Sean Nelson. A classic tragedy, American Buffalo is the story of three men struggling in the pursuit of their distorted vision of the American Dream. By turns touching and cynical, poignant and violent, American Buffalo is a piercing story of how people can be corrupted into betraying their ideals and those they love.

For hundreds of years black-tailed prairie dogs inhabited the Great Plains by the millions, improving the grazing for bison and pronghorn antelope, digging escape holes and homes for burrowing owls and rodents, and serving as prey for badgers, coyotes, hawks, and bobcats. This book by the renowned naturalist and writer Paul A. Johnsgard tells the complex biological and environmental story of the western Great Plains under the prairie dog?s reign?and then under a brief but devastating century of human dominion. ø An indispensable and highly readable introduction to the ecosystem of the shortgrass prairie, Prairie Dog Empire describes in clear and detailed terms the habitat and habits of black-tailed prairie dogs; their subsistence, seasonal behavior, and the makeup of their vast colonies; and the ways in which their ?towns? transform the surrounding terrain?for better or worse. Johnsgard recounts how this terrain was in turn transformed over the past century by the destruction of prairie dogs and their grassland habitats, together with the removal of the bison and their replacement with domestic livestock. A disturbing look at profound ecological alterations in the environment, this book also offers a rare and invaluable close-up view of the rich history and threatened future of the creature once considered the ?keystone? species of the western plains. ø Included are maps, drawings, and listings of more than two hundred natural grassland preserves where many of the region?s native plants and animals may still be seen and studied.

Text and lavish color photographs present details of the lives of the wild mammals. The book is organized partly by mammal family groups and partly by the life-styles of the animals.