May is the month for red dogs–baby bison. They earned the name because they are born a red-orange tan color with an average weight of 40 pounds. They hop around and play as puppies so the name fits. Babies stay red about two months then begin turning brown as the rest of the herd. They are so cute.
Did I get this close? Of course not! Long lenses save the day. Bison are tolerant of people, but only to a point. Gorings are not unusual as folks try to see how close they can get, try to pet a bison, or just taunt them for who knows what reason. Not to mention that female bison can weigh 1,000 pounds, bulls up to 2,000. People tend to think they are just big, lazy cows, but they are very agile, can run 35 mpg, and get to that speed in a matter of seconds. I saw it happen! Best to keep your distance!
This gives you a better idea of bison sizes. Here we have three generations–momma at right, note her size compared to the SUV. Then a yearling, perhaps a bit older, followed by a red dog.
The calf with momma may be a newborn. The mother spends time licking/cleaning the newborns, urging them to get up and begin building their muscles and coordination. See the short video of a newborn as Yellowstone’s Bison Ecologist, Rick Wallen, explains.
Let’s just look around since we are smack in the middle of the herd–by our SUV at a pullout on the road, but nonetheless they are all around us.
By the way, bison have black tongues.
Looking a bit weary.
Bison cows have one calf, but the herd protects the youngsters. Bull bison are typically found alone or in small groups of bulls much of the year–until mating season of course when they join the large female/young herds. Rut (breeding season) is July and August. Nine months later we have red dogs.
Also interesting, Yellowstone is the only place in the lower 48 that bison have lived continuously, roaming relatively free, since prehistoric times. It is a conservation success story. Learn more with thanks to the Park Service. If there is one animal in the park I have come to love, it is the bison.
Until next time . . .
Good to see you back in your old stomping grounds!
Patty
So great to see you there too!!