Bison are incredibly sturdy and majestic animals, weighing up to 2000 pounds (907kg). Still, in spite of their mammoth size, they are able to run 35mph (around 56km/h) and jump six feet high (1,8 metres)!
It’s this speed, power and immense size which has given them renown and respect as a species.
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However, in this particular clip, they are neither showing off their skill at running nor jumping. What makes the sighting impressive is the sheer number of bison moving together as a unit.
Herds can consist of thousands of individuals.
Bison move in unity through Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the few places where bison continue to roam free in breathtaking numbers.
These animals have lived by the millions in Yellowstone National Park since prehistoric times. Only 200 years ago, there were around 60 million bison living in North America, co-existing with native Americans. This population was radically reduced by man’s activities.
Yellowstone National Park contains the nation’s largest bison population on public land.
In this peaceful sighting, they are moving in large numbers across the land and through the water. Bison generally live and move in herds. When they move in this way together, it is generally because they are in search of food or water.
There is also strength in numbers. Moving and grazing together means that they are given stronger protection against predators.
Their herds can be an impressive size. As many as 30 000 can be found in a single herd.
Their herds also have a hierarchical structure. The older, more dominant males will extend influence over the younger bulls.
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From a distance, the bison appear like ants moving across the arid grass landscape of Yellowstone National Park and through the waters.
From a distance, it is easy to forget their impressive size. In this moment, it’s the size of the herd which impresses.
These countless bison present a spectacular glimpse of the power found in numbers. Alone one bison is impressive, but together, it appears they could even move mountains.
When the camera zooms in, one is reminded of the hefty weight and impressive stature of each individual which makes up the herd.
Crossing the water, they appear almost docile; harmless even. However, bison are in fact the most dangerous species in the park, and have injured more people than any other animal there.
Onwards, to greener pastures
The united march of the animals continues. There are moments when a young bison calf will skip among its parents as the herd moves along; however, for the most part the members of the herd are focused and almost militant in their collective movement.
Once all members of the herd have moved through the waters, they will continue onwards across the grassy plains.
Bison are herbivores; feeding mostly on grass and shrubs. Their grazing forms an integral part of Yellowstone’s delicate infrastructure. But for now, this sighting presents a larger-than-life view of Yellowstone’s breathtaking natural heritage.