Tag: mating season

Yellowstone motorists in awe as bison sends rival airborne

The National Park Service has shared footage showing a 2,000-pound bison ramming another bison with such force that its equally massive rival was briefly sent airborne.

The National Park Service has shared footage showing a 2,000-pound bison ramming another bison and briefly sending its rival airborne.

“Durin’ matin’ season, male bison can be mighty aggressive, though all bison ‘n other wildlife can be dangerous and give you a heave!” the park service wrote Sunday on Instagram. “Remember to always keep yer distance — 25 yards from bison ‘n elk; 100 yards from all other wildlife.”

In the footage, captured in Yellowstone National Park in August 2020, the dominant bison plows into its rival with technique that’d make any NFL lineman envious.

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The clash of titans occurred during mating season, or the rut, as motorists watched from both sides of the highway. Viewers will note that two calves are quick to scamper out of the way.

Yellowstone is home to about 4,700 bison. Mating occurs from late July through August. Calves are born the following April or May.

Most tourists regard bison as docile critters, but bison can run in bursts of 30 mph and are surprisingly agile. Tourists are wise to afford them a wide berth.