黄石国家公园的美洲野牛，怀俄明州，美国 American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (© Ian Shive/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

黄石国家公园的美洲野牛，怀俄明州，美国 American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (© Ian Shive/TANDEM Stills + Motion)

从濒临灭绝到成为国家的象征 From near extinction to national icon

美洲野牛，黄石国家公园，美国

很久很久以前，在北美一望无际的草原上，生活着一种强壮威武的动物，名叫美洲野牛。这些动物是许多美洲原住民部落生活的重要组成部分，可以为他们提供食物、衣服和工具。19世纪末，由于过度捕猎和疾病，它们的数量急剧下降，从多达6000万头下降到不足1000头。于是，一群环保主义者、农场主和美国原住民加入了拯救野牛的行列。现在，有50多万头野牛重新在大自然中漫步，许多都在黄石国家公园这样的保护区内生活。今天，在每年11月第一个星期六的美国国家野牛日，我们向这些高贵的动物致敬：它们是美国精神和人们为拯救它们所做出的不懈努力的见证。

从野牛镍币到野牛州旗，野牛是美国文化中根深蒂固的象征，所以美国野牛在2016年被正式指定为美国的国家哺乳动物也就不足为奇了。野牛是北美最大的哺乳动物，俄罗斯也曾引进过野牛。虽然野牛族群复苏了，但故事还没有结束。这些动物仍然面临着各种挑战，比如栖息地的丧失和猎杀的威胁。

National Bison Day

Once upon a time, in the boundless grasslands of North America, there roamed creatures of great strength and majesty—the American bison. These animals were a key part of life for many Native American tribes, providing food, clothing, and tools. Their population dwindled perilously low in the late 1800s, falling from as many as 60 million to fewer than 1,000 due to excessive hunting and disease. Enter a group of conservationists, ranchers, and Native Americans who stepped in to save the species. Now, over 500,000 bison roam again, many in protected areas like Yellowstone National Park, featured in today's image. Today, on National Bison Day, observed every first Saturday in November, we honor these noble creatures—a testament to the American spirit and the monumental conservation efforts to save them.

It's no wonder the bison was officially named the national mammal in 2016. From the buffalo nickel to state flags, they are a deeply embedded symbol in American culture. Bison are North America's largest mammals, and they have been introduced as far away as Russia. While the bison has made a heroic recovery, the story isn't over. These animals still face challenges, including habitat loss and hunting.