The European bison is a herd animal, which lives in both mixed and solely male groups. Mixed groups consist of adult females, calves, young aged 2–3 years and young adult bulls.
The average herd size is dependent on environmental factors, though on
average, they number eight to 13 animals per herd. Herds consisting
solely of bulls are smaller than mixed ones, containing two individuals
on average.European bison herds are not family units. Different herds frequently
interact, combine and quickly split after exchanging individuals.
Territory held by bulls is correlated by age, with young bulls aged
between five and six tending to form larger home ranges than older
males. The European bison does not defend territory, and herd ranges
tend to greatly overlap. Core areas of territory are usually sited near
meadows and water sources.
The rutting season occurs from August through to October. Bulls aged 4–6
years, though sexually mature, are prevented from mating by older
bulls. Cows usually have a gestation period of 264 days, and typically
give birth to one calf at a time.
On average, male calves weigh 27.6 kg (60.8 lb) at birth, and females
24.4 kg (53.8 lb). Body size in males increases proportionately to the
age of 6 years.
While females have a higher increase in body mass in their first year,
their growth rate is comparatively slower than that of males by the age
of 3–5. Bulls reach sexual maturity at the age of two, while cows do so
in their third year.
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