What’s the difference between a buffalo and a bison?

People around the world often use the words “bison” and “buffalo” interchangeably, but they are two completely different things. These differences have largely evolved due to the different climates faced by each species. 

Bison are from the much colder climates of North America and Europe. We distinguish two subspecies of the North American Bison: the plains bison and the wood bison.

True Buffalos are the Cape Buffalo and Water Buffalo, found in the warmer climates of Asia and Africa.

Bison and Buffalo both belong to the Family Bovidae, as do domestic cattle.