Bison are often called buffalo, though this term is also used to refer to other bovines. A bison has a shaggy, long, dark-brown winter coat, and a lighter-weight, lighter-brown summer coat. Male bison are significantly larger and heavier than females.
Bison are largely grazers, eating primarily grasses and sedges (a grass-like plant with a solid stem). Bison also drink water or consume snow on a daily basis.