There’s nothing as American as motherhood and … the American bison, soon to be the country’s national mammal. In this photograph taken by Stephany Seay of Buffalo Field Campaign, a mother lets her calf rub against her. Bison give birth in April and May. Newborns find their legs and can keep up with the herd within 2 to 3 hours of birth. Females weigh approximately 1,000 pounds, can run 35 mph and turn on a dime. There were an estimated 4,900 bison in Yellowstone National Park last summer, but a program seeks to reduce that number.

Angus M. Thuermer Jr. is the natural resources reporter for WyoFile. He is a veteran Wyoming reporter and editor with more than 35 years experience in Wyoming. Contact him at angus@wyofile.com or (307)... More by Angus M. Thuermer Jr.