American Bison | Bison in Yellowstone With about 5,000 Bison, Yellowstone NP has North America’s largest population of wild Bison and is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since the prehistoric times of the last ice age. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to American Bison | a 7 Image Story.
American Bison | Winter in Lamar Valley Bison are year round grazers requiring water every day. They eat primarily grasses, but will also eat flowering plants, lichens, and woody plant leaves. In the winter, they sweep their heads from side to side to clear the snow. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to American Bison | a 7 Image Story.
American Bison | Running Bison A mature Bison stands 5-6 feet tall weighing 1,800 to 2,400 pounds. They can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. This young Bison, just a little older than red dog status, tries to keep up with the running herd. Mom’s trying to help. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to American Bison | a 7 Image Story.
American Bison | Red Dog Baby bison, called “red dogs,” are orange-red in color for a few months until their hair begins to turn dark brown. Their life expectancy ranges from 15 to 20 years. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to American Bison | a 7 Image Story.
American Bison | Bison bison Yes, the scientific name is actually Bison bison. This image was captured late afternoon in early November at Yellowstone NP. Notice, he has grown his heavy winter coat and is in prime condition in preparation for the hard winter to come. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to American Bison | a 7 Image Story.
American Bison | Bison over the Horizon At one time, massive Bison herds roamed the grasslands of North America. Today, small herds are maintained in several parts of Canada and several states in the USA. Many national parks also preserve Bison. This image was captured at the Badlands NP. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to American Bison | a 7 Image Story.
American Bison | Old Bison Bison grow a thin layer of soft fine hair and a thick outer layer of course hair. This old Bison is shedding his thick winter coat making him look very shaggy. In the fall, he’ll grow new coat. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to American Bison | a 7 Image Story.
American Bison | a 7 Image Story The American Bison, also call Bison Bison, is our National Mammal and symbolic of the Great Plains. The largest land animal in North America; at one time millions roamed the grasslands of North America from Alaska to Mexico in massive herds. Today, small herds are maintained in several parts of Canada, as well as several states in the USA. Many national parks also keep Bison. With approximately 5,000 animals, Yellowstone NP has North America’s largest population of wild Bison and is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since the prehistoric times of the last ice age.
Capturing wild Bison images usually means a trip to a national or state park. These images come from Yellowstone, Wind Cave, and Badlands national parks. Good clicks come relatively easy. The Bison are usually standing around; like they’re waiting for you to make a click. A good telephoto lens is really required though. Getting too close is not only bad form, but can be detrimental to your health. These beautiful animals are wild and unpredictable. Keep your distance.
A few Bison facts: Bison are year round grazers requiring water every day. They eat primarily grasses, but will also eat flowering plants, lichens, and woody plant leaves. In the winter, they sweep their heads from side to side to clear the snow. Bison grow a thin layer of soft fine hair and a thick outer layer of course hair. In the spring, they shed their heavy winter coats. A mature Bison stands 5-6 feet tall weighing 1,800 to 2,400 pounds. They have cloven hoofs, and can reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. They prefer to graze in the morning, rest, ruminate (chew cud) in the middle of the day and then graze again in the evening. Bison communicate through grunts with each other and sometimes snort to warn intruders. They have excellent hearing and smell, but relatively poor eyesight. Baby bison, called “red dogs,” are orange-red in color for a few months until their hair begins to turn dark brown. Their life expectancy ranges from 15 to 20 years.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category American Bison.
Click any image below for a slide show!
