National Bison Day is an annual celebration of the significance of the American bison.[1] A campaign is underway to pass federal legislation officially recognizing National Bison Day.[2] Although the legislation has so far failed to pass, the Senate has passed a resolution each year since 2013 recognizing the day.[3]

The day is celebrated at sites involved in the conservation of American bison. In addition to organizing, sponsoring and attending local bison-related events and celebrations, the Beards for Bison campaign encouraged supporters to discuss National Bison Day on social media via hashtags and selfies.[4]

Legislation

For several years, bison supporters have continued a "Vote Bison" campaign seeking to make the American bison the "National Mammal of the United States" and have National Bison Day officially designated as the first Saturday in November each year. The Senate has shown its approval by passing a resolution about the day each year, in recent years led by Senators Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of senators. On May 9, 2016, President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act into law, officially making the American bison the national mammal of the United States.

References

  1. Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council; National Bison Association; Wildlife Conservation Society (2015-11-06). "Happy National Bison Day! America Celebrates on Saturday, November 7" (Press release). Washington, D.C.: National Bison Association. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  2. "Vote Bison: Elect Our National Mammal!". VoteBison.org. Vote Bison Coalition. 2016. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  3. "Senate Passes National Bison Day Resolution". Glenrock Independent. Glenrock, Wyoming. 2015-11-04. Retrieved 2016-01-05.
  4. "Happy National Bison Day!". National Bison Association. 7 November 2015. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
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