Enzi named 2018 U.S. National Mammal Champion

Press Release – As part of the National Bison Day celebration, the Wildlife Conservation Society and the American Bison Coalition presented U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., with the 2018 U.S. National Mammal Champion Award.

“The American bison is one of the most powerful symbols of the American West,” Enzi said. “Since our frontier days, the bison has become a symbol of strength and determination, not just for Wyoming, but for our country. It has been integrally linked culturally and spiritually to many Native American tribes over the centuries. There was a time when bison were almost extinct – now there are half a million living across North America. We have also seen bison ranching become a viable business for many small- and medium-sized ranchers. I was honored to be recognized for my legislative work to help promote the American bison.”

In the Senate, Enzi led the resolutions from 2012 to 2016 that designated National Bison Day.

Enzi also introduced the Bison Nickel Restoration Act of 2004, which would have required that one of the new designs for the nickel feature an image of a bison. In 2005, the U.S. Mint announced the Bison Nickel as part of its Westward Journey Series.