Two magnificent creatures are seen as the National Animals of the USA: the American bald eagle and the American bison.
With its elegant moves and fierce demeanor, it’s no surprise that the bald eagle came to represent the freedom of life in America. The bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey and is local to North America. It is known for its one-of-a-kind white head, brown body, and hooked yellow beak. With a wingspan of as much as seven feet, it is undoubtedly one of the most majestic birds of prey.
Not very far behind is the American bison, the country’s first national mammal, joining the bald eagle as a national symbol. The story of the American bison has not been a happy one; the American bison faced the danger of extinction less than 100 years ago. By the 20th century, the species’ population decreased from herds of over 40 million animals to less than 1,000 individuals. As a result, the Native Americans all over the nation suffered.
1. What Is the Significance of Declaring National Animals?
The choice of a national animal serves to represent the nation’s history, values, and identity. To honor a species that has made a significant contribution to a nation’s folklore, mythology, or history.
Choosing a national animal also creates awareness for the protection of the species and its habitat. Countries exhibit their biodiversity by selecting an animal that is local to their region and plentiful in its natural habitat. Cultural and spiritual beliefs can also have an impact on the choice of a national animal. In a nation’s culture or religious practices, certain animals could be of exceptional value.
It is a reflection of the nation’s cultural heritage. The significance of these creatures in its traditions is that these animals become national emblems. National animals boost tourism by drawing those interested in a nation’s wildlife and natural assets.
In case you didn’t know- The North American Beaver (Castor Canadensis) is the national animal of Canada. The Snow Leopard (Panthera unica) is the national animal of Afghanistan. Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the national animal of Australia, and Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) is the national animal of Finland.
2. When Was the Bald Eagle chosen as the National Animal of the USA?
On June 20, 1782, the Continental Congress declared the bald eagle as the national bird of the United States of America. It served as the government’s executive branch during the American Revolutionary War.
Some examples of where you can see the bald eagle symbol in usage include the Great Seal used by government organizations. It is also used in official papers, state symbols, money, and on the president’s flag. It is one of the country’s most important emblems.
2.1. Initiatives Taken by the Government to Protect the American Bald Eagle
In the 1600s, Bald eagle populations ranged between 25,000 and 50,000 birds when Europeans first arrived on the continent of North America. But numbers have decreased for a variety of causes. Most of the eagles ended up being poisoned by pesticides. They were also caught for hunting, falconry, or for flying too close to fishing nets. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, established in 1940, placed the bald eagle under government protection.
2.2. What Does the Bald Eagle Symbolize?
The bald eagle became the first national animal because of its majestic beauty, potent symbolism, and associations with freedom and independence. The bald eagle’s designation as the first national animal of the country was made official in a resolution passed by the Continental Congress. Native American culture places a high value on the bald eagle as a bird.
Many religious and spiritual practices utilize its feathers. Some tribes believed the birds to be messengers between the gods and mankind. Feathers came to be used in fans, headdresses, and the regalia used by pow-wow dancers. The bald eagle became the ideal choice to represent the United States mainly because it is a native of North America.
2.3. Fun Facts about the American Bald Eagle
- Despite what the moniker “bald eagle” suggests, this bird isn’t bald. It comes from piebald, which describes the eagle’s light and dark-colored feathers.
- Bald eagles can see four or five times farther than the typical human because of their 20/4 or 20/5 vision. A bald eagle can spot its prey 3 kilometers away!
- Bald eagles have the capability of soaring at high altitudes. They can soar as high as 3000 m (10,000 ft) and cruise at about 65 km/h (40 mph). When diving, they can reach up to 160 km/h (100 mph).
- Bald eagles can lay up to three eggs once a year during mating season, but it is rare that all three will survive. The eggs are incubated by both parents alternately.
- Bald eagles mate for life, being together for about 30 years before finding a new partner- only ever doing so if the previous partner dies.
3. When Was the American Bison Chosen as the National Animal of the USA?
The American bison came to be officially recognized as the country’s national mammal thanks to the National Bison Legacy Act on May 9, 2016. The Act acknowledges the bison’s historical, cultural, and economic significance. The Intertribal Buffalo Council is a group that works to help organize and support tribes in bringing bison back to the tribal lands. It includes more than 60 American Indian tribes.
The conservation and cultural initiatives of bison are supported by more than a million acres of tribal property. It joins the ranks of the Bald Eagle as the official symbol of the nation. Much like the eagle, it is a representation of American identity and one of the most successful conservation stories of all time.
4. What Does the American Bison Symbolize?
The main purpose of this honor is to draw attention to the historical, cultural, and ecological importance of bison in the United States. The nomadic nature of a bison is considered to symbolize freedom, as they move widely across the rest of the region when grazing. Bison can wander up to 1,000 kilometers, wandering places rich and overflowing with greenery.
They are also known for their strength and might, being the largest mammal in North America. Bison can be terrifying- so make sure you don’t go around messing with them!
Bison are not only valuable economically, but also these animals have a vital cultural role. About 360,000 bison are owned privately by producers who give the American public access to healthful meat, leather, and wool products, which in turn also creates employment opportunities.
Through their grazing patterns and behavior, wild bison also play a significant ecological function, positively affecting grassland ecosystems. It is a representation of the country’s history of development and conservation efforts for wildlife. It also stands for dedication to maintaining native animals. The American bison is a national heritage animal with immense symbolic significance.
4.1. Initiatives by the Government to Protect the American Bison
The American Bison Society (ABS) is the first national initiative to rescue an American natural species. Founded in 1905 by William Hornaday, President Theodore Roosevelt, and others. The sole aim was to save the bison from being endangered.
A time when millions of bison once roamed the earth. From the prairies of Mexico and forests of Alaska to the eastern Appalachian Mountains and Nevada’s Great Basin. It was cut short when European people moved west – the bison’s habitat was destroyed and hunted to almost extinction. Eventually, only a small number of bison left in the United States by the late 1800s. The bison would no longer exist today if not for a few individuals who collaborated with Tribes, states, and the Department of the Interior.
By 1872, with help from the US Department of Interior (DOI), two dozen remaining bison were safeguarded by Yellowstone National Park. Presently, 17 bison herds in 12 states are supported by DOI, and over 10,000 bison are spread across 4.6 million acres of DOI and neighboring areas.
4.2. Fun Facts about the American Bison
- November 6th is celebrated as National Bison Day.
- Despite the adult bison having dark fur, a baby bison is orange-red for a few months when they’re born.
- Bison can run faster than horses, at a speed of 35 miles per hour, and can jump as high as 6 feet!
- The daily intake of prairie grass by bison can reach 30 pounds. They have a digestive system designed to digest it.
- President Theodore Roosevelt hunted bison in the past. But he eventually turned to help in advance efforts to protect and maintain this significant American wildlife.
5. Bottom Line
The American bison and Bald eagle serve as symbols of the United States’ broad and complex national identity.
The Bald Eagle represents the spirit of liberty and independence that are firmly established in American history and culture. Its towering presence stands for the power and lofty ambitions of the American people. As the national mammal, the American bison, on the other hand, symbolizes both the country’s link to North America’s vast landscapes and its rich natural heritage.
Last Updated on by Pragya Chakrapani
