Why they killed bison?

Bison were killed primarily for their hides, meat, and bones, which were valuable resources for Native Americans and later for European settlers. The mass hunting of bison in the 19th century also aimed to undermine Indigenous populations by decimating their primary food source, facilitating westward expansion and settlement. Additionally, the expansion of the railroad made it easier to transport bison products, leading to widespread commercial hunting. This combination of economic motives and strategic warfare resulted in the near extinction of the species.