What animal did the Plains tribes primarily follow for sustenance?

The Plains tribes primarily followed the buffalo for sustenance due to its central role in their way of life. Buffalo provided not only a vital food source through meat, but also many other essential materials. Their hides were used to make clothing, shelter (tipis), and blankets, while bones could be fashioned into tools and weapons. The availability of buffalo shaped the seasonal migrations and social structures of these tribes, making them highly dependent on this single species for their survival and cultural practices. This relationship also reflects the deep connection the Plains tribes had with their environment, as they adapted their lifestyles to follow the movements of the buffalo herds.