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The North American Bison (or American Buffalo) is a very different beast than a cow, even though it is from the bovine family. It is a massive beast of fur and muscle, that can reach to 2,000 lbs. |
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The American bison and the European wisent are the largest terrestrial animals in North America and Europe. |
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Bison herd in winter. Bison are nomadic grazers and travel in herds. The bulls leave the herds of females at two or three years of age, and join a male herd which is generally smaller than the female herds. Mature bulls rarely travel alone |
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The bison was hunted close to extinction during the 19th and 20th centuries, but have since rebounded. The American plains bison is no longer listed as endangered, but the wood bison is on the endangered species list in Canada. |
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Bison are good swimmers and can cross rivers over half a mile (1 km) wide. |
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Due to their size and herd behavior, the bison are often a hinderance to motorists on the Yellowstone Park road. |
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During the winter, their close packed mentality helps keep them warm. |
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The bison's temperament is often unpredictable. They usually appear peaceful, unconcerned, even lazy, yet they may attack anything, often without warning or apparent reason. They can move at speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h) and cover long distances at a lumbering gallop. |
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Their most obvious weapons are the horns borne by both males and females, but their massive heads can be used as battering rams, effectively using the momentum produced by 2,000 pounds (900 kg) moving at 30 mph (50 km/h). |
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Wrong lane amigo! |
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The infamous 'bison road block'. |
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Enjoying some 'mud pots'. |
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The average bison can expect to live about 12-15 years at Yellowstone. |
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Cute little buffalo with a snow-mask. |
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Cow birds help the bison get rid of insects, while they get a meal. |
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And another good scratch. |
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Bisons usually mate in July-August and give birth to a single calf in April-May. There's a little one right there having its milk. |
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Mommy can serve as a great scratching post. |
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And even help with a loving lick. What a great mom. |
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The bison is too big an animal not to go wherever it wants, even across rivers. |
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Bisons sticking together. Most animals can't kill a bison. But there have been several successful kills by bears and wolf packs. |
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Could be nice to clean our face with our tongue... Or maybe not. |
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Bisons slowing down traffic even more on a snow day. |
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A majestic creature that has walked the earth just as long as we have, the bison deserve our respect and protection. Go see them at Yellowstone National Park. |
Submitted by: Dana A.
