Bison

Bison, numbering in the millions, were the dominant inhabitants of this vast country. In the spring, they left the protection of the foothills and river valleys and drifted onto the Plains, covering the country for miles and filling the air with a sound like distant thunder. As the primary natural resource, bison furnished many Plains peoples with almost every necessity of life.

Bears

Grizzly bears roamed the Great Plains until the mid-19th century. As omnivores, bears lived on myriad plants and small animals, as well as the plentiful carrion to be found on the Plains. The bear was revered across the Plains and was used symbolically and spiritually by many Plains peoples.