The National Mammal

Though the eagle needn’t worry, For its place is still secure, A new symbol has been chosen And expected to endure. Now the huge and shaggy bison Has been picked to represent This great land of ours where thousands Grazed and wandered, quite content. Since the bison is a mammal And the eagle is a bird, Both may symbolize our nation – All the feathered and the furred. But who stands for all the reptiles And the fish with shells or scales? Maybe there should be anointed Some symbolic newts or snails? I have nothing ‘gainst the bison; It’s a fine majestic beast But I wonder who decided That our icons be increased.