Dear Kid,

Have you heard the news about the bison?

For the first time EVER We, The People, have chosen a national mammal.

(Yes, the new mammal is the bison. Or buffalo if you prefer.)

Bison are bigger than you. Male bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and female bison weigh about 1,000 pounds. Clearly bison are not saying “no” to Oreos.

Bison are faster than you. They run between 35 and 40 mph.

Bison are shaggier than you. Even during November.

Bison can use their heads to shovel snow.

Bison have lived in Yellowstone since prehistoric times. Not the same animals.

Now Congress has passed the National Bison Legacy Act which says that bison are just as important as the American eagle. Upon learning of this new honor, the Chief Head Number One Bison said she’d herd.

The American eagle went into a snit, perched on top of a mountain, and refused to be interviewed.

The oak (our national tree) stood tall with the mammals, while the rose (our national flower) said it was a thorny situation.

Congrats to the mammal!

Love, Mom