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American Bison, also known as simply "bison," are large, hoofed mammals that are native to North America. They are classified in the family Bovidae, which includes animals such as cattle, buffalo, and antelope. As prey animals, American Bisons have a long history of being hunted by humans and other predators for their meat, hide, and bones. American Bison are the largest land animals in North America, with males (bulls) reaching weights of up to 2,000 pounds and females (cows) weighing up to 1,000 pounds. They have a distinctive hump on their shoulders and a large head with a pronounced forehead. Their fur is shaggy and brown in color, providing them with protection from the cold weather in their natural habitat. American Bison are found primarily in the western and central United States and Canada, where they roam the grasslands and prairies in herds. They are grazers, feeding on a variety of grasses and other plants. In the past, American Bison were hunted to near extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have helped to bring their populations back from the brink. In the hierarchy, "Animals" is the broadest category, encompassing all living organisms. "Prey Animals" is a subcategory of animals that includes species that are hunted by other animals for food. "Buffalo" is a common name for several large, hoofed mammals, including the American Bison. And finally, "American Bison" is a subcategory of buffalo, and it is a specific species of bison that is native to North America.