Many people in the American West think the bison and the buffalo are the same but we are talking about two different animals here. Bison and buffalo are related in the sense that they are members of the same family. Both animals belong to the Bovidae family as do other animals like musk oxen and domestic cattle. The bison and the buffalo have many things in common but there are some differences between the former and the latter. So what is the difference between Bison vs buffalo? Let's dive in.

Understanding the bison
"Bison" is the scientific name for what most consider to be the "American buffalo". This was a term that was first given to these majestic creatures during the expedition of Lewis and Clark. The natural habitat of the bison covers most of the United States, southern Canada, and northern Mexico. The two most popular categories of bison are the Wood Bison and the Plains Bison. These animals were nearly hunted to extinction by some of the first white settlers in the Americas but the bison survived and can still be found in many parts of the US today. Apart from the bison native to the Americas, some bison are native to Europe. The bison have been domesticated for many decades by American farmers and are raised primarily for bison meat, for it is extremely healthy and delicious! Private farming and public and tribal herds have helped to repopulate the species and now over 350,000 inhabit North America.

Understanding the buffalo
The buffalo falls into two main categories, the Water Buffalo and the Cape Buffalo. 

The water buffalo is also called the domesticated Asian Buffalo and it is found in Asia, North Africa, and Southern Europe. 

The Cape Buffalo is found in the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa and it is also called "Syncerus caffer". These animals can be found in West Africa and along the plains of southern and eastern Africa. Some of them have been domesticated for years and are valued for milk, meat, leather, and as work animals. It is also possible to find the Cape buffalo in the wild. These animals are dangerous and can gore people with their sharp horns.

Difference between buffalo and bison
As stated already both animals are bovids but there are differences in physical appearance. Generally, the buffalo has a larger body than the bison. The buffalo also has bigger horns. The bison has a larger head used to forage for feed during the winter months. The buffalo also has a smooth coat while the bison has a shaggy winter coat. The bison has stocky legs and a hump on its back which helps hold the musculature of its large head.

Two types of American Bison
Not to make things more confusing, but to be specific, there are two types of the American bison.

Plains Bison (Bison bison bison) – Once the most numerous, they historically roamed the Great Plains in massive herds. Most bison raised for meat today are plains bison.

Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae) – Larger and heavier than plains bison, they are native to northern Canada and Alaska. Wood bison are less common in the U.S. and are still considered at-risk, though conservation efforts have helped their numbers grow.

Both are part of the same species (Bison bison) and produce similar lean, nutritious meat, though almost all meat available to consumers comes from the plains bison.

Difference in the actual meat of buffalo and bison
Water buffalo and Cape buffalo are entirely different species, and their meat reflects that difference. Meat from these animals tends to be darker, gamier, and often tougher, making it less common on American tables. In contrast, American bison provides a unique eating experience. Bison meat is naturally lean yet tender, with a slightly sweet, rich flavor that sets it apart from beef and other red meats. It’s also lower in fat and calories while being higher in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients. This makes bison meat not only distinct from water or Cape buffalo meat, but also a healthier, more flavorful choice for modern kitchens.

Final word
Here at Yankee Farmer's Market, we raise pasture-raised 100% Bison (or what we like to call the American Buffalo) for its healthy meat and to promote sustainability in the species. It's a natural, delicious choice for health-conscious individuals and beef lovers everywhere as it tastes very similar to sweet beef. We are proud to provide high-quality, pasture-raised meats in a sustainable small farm setting. Call, visit, or shop online to enjoy our full line of New England all-natural, hormone-free, and antibiotic-free meats.

At the Farm
Here at our buffalo farm in Warner, NH we raise only the North American bison. We carry all cuts of bison meat as well as other offerings like grass-fed and grass-finished beef, venison meat, elk meat, pastured pork, chicken, and turkey. Our meat is born, raised, and slaughtered all within a 200-mile radius of our farm, making it truly "local" in every sense. All the cuts are pre-packaged, USDA inspected, and available by the piece or package. Bison meat cuts range from Ground, Steaks, Burgers, Sausage, Roasts, Ribs, and more. We ship nationwide to the Contiguous US.

Bison Meat Packages
Our bison meat packages make it easy to fill your freezer with healthy, naturally raised meat. Choose from whole bison meat package, half bison meat package, or quarter bison meat package options, each cut and portioned for convenience. Every package is vacuum-sealed, flash-frozen, and ready for your favorite recipes.