Bison were large, strong Beasts related to Cattle, but were difficult to domesticate due to their temperament. They had a distinctive broad head that connected to large, humped shoulders with a thick neck, and had curved, hollow horns that grew from the sides of their head. Their bodies were covered in a mantle of thick brown fur, and males had a black beard-like growth. They had short but powerful legs, and small tails that ended in a tassel of fur.
In the wild, bison were normally docile and peaceful creatures, avoiding conflict with a predator if possible. However, they were extremely protective of their offspring and fiercely defended them. They also became aggressive during mating season, and would gather in herds of up to 6000 at a time. Bison herds, when frightened, would stampede; due to their sheer size and numbers, a stampeding bison herd could crush almost any creature in their path.