Yellowstone Bison

Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 bison live in Yellowstone.  Yellowstone is the only place in the US where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times.  In the early 1800's bison were almost hunted to extinction by European-American settlers.  Yellowstone was the only place in the states where wild, free-ranging bison persisted into the 20th century.  Even though protected, Yellowstone’s bison were reduced by poaching to approximately two dozen animals in 1902. From that small herd has grown the two large herds now occupying Yellowstone National Park. Many people consider the protection and recovery of bison in Yellowstone to be one of the great triumphs of American conservation.

The rut (breeding season) begins in late July and goes through August. Bulls display their dominance by bellowing, wallowing, and fighting other bulls. Once a bull has found a female who is close to estrus, he will stay by her side until she is ready to mate. Then he moves on to another female.

The two bulls pictured here have picked their mating partner and are bellowing possibly to alert other bulls of their selection.

Only two more weeks before returning home to Florida.  I hope to have a few more blog posts before leaving.   This weekend I will travel to Teton Nat'l Park in search of that big bull moose that has eluded me thus far. 

As always, thanks for following my Yellowstone adventure.   David