Bison Poised To Become America's First "National Mammal"

A herd of bison near Poplar, Montana, as seen on April 24, 2012.

Matthew Brown / AP

The buffalo are about to roam onto a very short list of America's official animals.

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously voted to make the bison — which is commonly, if incorrectly, referred to as a "buffalo" — the "national mammal of the United States."

The bill would elevate the bison to a similar level as the bald eagle, which has been the national bird since 1782. There are no other officially recognized national animals in the U.S., though many states have designated official local fauna.

In addition to its status as an official symbol of the U.S., the bald eagle is protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The bison would not win similar protections from its new status, but it would become an officially recognized symbol.

A bison heard is seen near Wolf Point, Montana, on Feb. 11, 2011.

Michael Albans / AP

The text of the National Bison Legacy Act touts the long, illustrious, and at times tragic history of the burly ungulate. It notes that the bison is connected to numerous Native American tribes, has economic value for rural communities, and "can play an important role in improving the types of grasses found" in its habitat.

In the late 1800s, however, hunting pushed the bison to the brink of extinction. A small group of people, including Teddy Roosevelt, then came together to save the bison via reintroductions and habitat protections, the bill adds.

A pair of Buffalo nickels as seen on Feb. 23, 2005.

Evan Vucci / AP

Over the years, the bison became a significant cultural symbol as well, appearing on flags, coins, and winning "official" status in several states.

The Senate already approved the bill in December, and now must approve the slightly altered version of the bill passed by the House.

If that happens, which is likely, it will just need President Obama's signature to become law.

Both the Senate and House versions of the bill were co-sponsored by Republicans and Democrats. Lawmakers who worked on the bills did not immediately respond to BuzzFeed News' request for comment Tuesday.

The version of the bill passed by the House includes a provision stating that the new law would not change any federal policies. That provision is likely to assuage some fears, particularly in the West, where wildlife protections have been a point of contention for ranchers who graze cattle on public land.

A cowboy rides along a buffalo herd near Custer, South Dakota, on Oct. 4, 2004.

Doug Dreyer / ASSOCIATED PRESS

Still, Tuesday's vote is a victory for a coalition of groups that were pushing Americans to "elect our national mammal." The coalition includes conservationists, ranching organizations, Native American groups, and companies such as Patagonia and American Express.

LINK: How The Reclusive Wolverine Is Sparking A Ferocious Fight Over Western Land

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