American bison in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
© Ian Shive/TANDEM Stills + Motio
Mighty and wild. American bison
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, Wyoming, United States, featured in today's image. 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.
Donkeys in a valley near Rhyolite, Nevada, United States
Tulips, Netherlands
Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States
Desert elephant with calf feeding on tall grass, Namibia
Lightning and storm clouds at sunset near Bowman, Nebraska, United States
Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Plains zebras at sunrise, Mokala National Park, South Africa
Chital, Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh
