Young Bison: A New Generation Emerges - I.

 

A new generation of young bison has arrived on Antelope Island!  

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Mothers nurse bison calves for about 6 months, and they can become independent around that time.

Male calves can become completely independent at about 6 months.  Female calves usually gain full independence a few months later.

Male bison typically leave their maternal herd when they are about three years old to live alone or join other bachelor herds. Females, however, often remain with their mother's herd.

Playfulness or dominance testing?

 The mother is main protector of her babies but the whole herd helps keep the baby safe.

Generally, life is good.

American Bison Coming Down the Hill

Generally, life is good.

Giants of the Desert

 

The American Bison return to the pasture after drinking water from a large muddy pool.

Generally, life is good.

A Dust Bath

 

Taking a dust bath is a very serious business for the American Bison. This is the way to clean themselves, stay cool and take care of their skin. 

The animals look for a dry, dusty place of dirt or sand—often the same spots are reused over and over, forming shallow depressions called wallows. Once the right place is found a Bison begin to roll in the mud, first on one side, then on the other.

Taking a dust bath helps Bison to get rid of ticks and lice.  On hot days, a dust bath cools them down. Dust can help soothe bites and it acts like a natural sunscreen.

and of course, a dust bath is always nice.

Generally, life is good.

Portrait of American Bison

 

American Bison have poor eyesight, especially for long distances. However, they compensate for this with an excellent sense of smell and keen hearing. 

Their limited vision means they rely more on detecting movement and scents to sense danger or find food.

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I was asked recently: "Are you shooting from a car, or is it safe to be on foot while photographing the bison?"  

Photographing bison is always unpredictable adventure because you never know what's on minds of bison.  Sometimes I stay in my car if bison are very close. 

There are situations when I am walking towards a bison but keeping a safe distance. Generally, photographing bison on foot is okey, but you have to be very careful. These animals can be dangerous and they run fast.

Generally, life is good. 

On the Antelope Island

 

It was an unforgettable day on Antelope Island. A herd of bison was coming down the mountain heading slowly in my direction. Animals were heading towards a big muddy puddle, they needed water to quench their thirst.

Generally, life is good.

Test of Strength

Today I was watching American bison fight on Antelope Island for the first time. I am guessing it was a play fight or these bison were establishing dominance.  

Younger bison may engage in play fighting as a way to build strength and prepare for future battles.  These fights involve headbutting, shoving, and sometimes locking horns.

Bison live in herds where dominance matters. Bulls and even younger males will spar to establish their rank within the group.  

Generally, life is good.

 

Antelope Island as a Storm Approaches - IV

 

An American Bison crosses the road to join his herd.  

Generally, life is good.

Antelope Island as a Storm Approaches - II.

 

The American bison calmly heads towards his herd. It seems that neither the approaching storm nor the annoying starlings, nothing can shake the bison's calm.

Bisons are very hardy and can handle extreme weather conditions, they might seek shelter from the wind or rain if the storm is severe, but the approaching storm was not threatening and was short-lived. 

Generally, life is good.

Usual Moring Ritual

I am guessing it was a female American Bison but I am not entirely sure.  Her horns were shorter than usual and one was broken.  Was it injury or heath problem?  It's hard to say.

On the photo above the bison awoke from her sleep and getting ready to take a dirt bath.

Before a dirt bath. 

Bathing in dirt.

What you are going to do next?  Continue taking a dirt bath or take a nap?

Generally, life is good.

  

American Bisons on Antelope Island in October

October, 2024, Antelope Island.

A female American Bison resting. 

Conversation with mother. 

You'll have to be patient and wait until mom has some rest.

Generally, life is good.

Mighty

 

American Bison on Antelope Island.

Generally, life is good.

Strong and Confident - II.

Bison and European Starlings can often be seen together on Antelope Island.  Usually, Bison don't mind these birds riding on their backs, but there are times when Starlings annoy them.

 

Generally, life is good!

Crossing the Road With Parents

 

I find this procession funny. The young bison is crossing the road with his parents. Everything should be as it should be, the young should be safe.

By the way, I had to wait in the car for this family to cross the road. It seemed that the bison were only concerned with how to get on the other side of the road, but the head of the procession sometimes looked in my direction in an unfriendly manner.

Generally, life is good!

Powerful and Confident

 

Some people confuse bison and buffalo.  Both are large horned animals of Bovidae family.  Antelope Island is home to American bison.

Contrary to the song "Home on the Range", buffalo do not roam the American West.  Instead, they are indigenous to South Asia (water buffalo) and Africa ( Cape buffalo).

The main difference between bison and buffalo is the presence of a hump.  Bison has one on its shoulders, the buffalo does not.

Generally, life is good.

Portrait of American Bison

 The portrait of this bison appeared completely by accident.  

The bison was close to other bison who were not going to leave and I decided to shoot according to the situation. Later I cropped the photo and ended up with a strange portrait which, to my surprise, I liked.

By the way, if you notice the bison has a small RFID tag in one of his ears. This is his permanent identifier and links it to bison's computer records that contain his health information.

Generally, life is good.