How to Talk About Bison and Buffalo

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This week's episode is a rare ologies quilt of sorts, all about the world of bison or buffalo. We talk to academics and hands-on ranchers, all four of whom in their own way are professional bisonologists. Learn how big a bison is, what their fur feels like,. how many there used to be, how many there are now. What that lumpy hummus for, what a bison's favorite treat is, and what noises they make.

Bison bison! Not just something to holler into the sky, but also the scientific name for North America's majestic wild bovines that once roamed the plains in the tens of millions. What's up with their humps? On what occasion do they wear capes? What noises do they make? How many are out there? What are the best ways to help them? In this special episode, you get 4x the usual number of ologists as we talk to archeologist Dr. Ken Cannon, wildlife biologist Dr. Dan McNulty, Alie's cousin Boyd and his wife Lila Evans, of the Blackfeet Tribe, who are bison ranchers based in Northern Montana. Also, once and for all: is it buffalo or bison? And can Alie hug one?

A donation went to: InterTribal Bison Council (ITBC)

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Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media & Steven Ray Morris

Theme song by Nick Thorburn