Obama just made the North American bison the national mammal

An American staple gets its recognition.

(Image credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

The bald eagle is no longer the only animal representing the United States. On Monday, President Obama signed the National Bison Legacy Act into law, officially making the North American bison the country's national mammal. The designation won't affect the bald eagle's standing; rather, it will just offer the bison similar recognition as an official symbol.

The bison's new designation follows the lobbying efforts of a coalition of conservationists, tribal groups, and ranchers who were concerned about the species' dwindling population and thought its important role in American history and culture ought to be recognized. Already, the bison is on two state flags and is the official mammal or animal of three states, NPR reports.

While the bison population is growing after once nearing extinction, Politico reports that the U.S. is still far from the home where "tens of millions" of buffalo once roamed. Only about 200,000 bison exist in the U.S. today.