Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "American Bison" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood commemorative cover for the Baby Wildlife of the 50 States, postmarked January 29, 1984. Born on the golden grass of the prairies, the spirited Bison calf runs with a species that almost vanished from the earth. Sixty million strong, the North American Bison were once the greatest spectacle of herd animals in the world. The ground rumbled and great clouds of swirling dust filled the air when these thundering monarchs stampeded across the prairies. Large, hump-backed and sporting a dark, shaggy fur coat, the Bison provided the Indian tribes of the West with everything from food to sled runners. As civilization pushed farther west, however, the Bison were slaughtered by the millions ... and this great animal was brought to the edge of extinction. Today, through conservation efforts the North American Bison is protected on game reserves and their numbers are increasing. The tawny calves of these great mammals are born in May and June of each year, nine months after the mating season. The young bulls seem to love the freedom of youth and run and buck with delight. When the first cold hints of winter blow across the plains, the young Bison are already showing signs of the traditional hump above the shoulders and small crescent horns have begun to show. The herds will roam the plains during the winter months in search of food and shelter. When these cold harsh winds give way to gentle spring breezes, the playful calves will have nearly reached maturity. Image Size: 10.75 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 20 x 21.25 in. Unframed. (B08522)