Bison at first light, Yellowstone National Park. Teddy Roosevelt played a large role in kick-starting the conservation movement for bison, and I can't help but wonder if they helped inspire his famous quote, "speak softly and carry a big stick, you will go far." Bison carry themselves confidently and with a fair amount of grace, yet big bulls can stand over 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder and can weigh over 2,000 pounds. Despite their size bison can jump a distance of 7 feet, clear a 6-foot fence, and run up to 35 miles per hour! For perspective, Usain Bolt topped out at 27 mph.