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Just like any other species in the animal kingdom, being a newborn is one of the most vulnerable times in a bison’s life. Adult bison are usually not vulnerable to predators given their massive size and strength, but babies, on the other hand, are tiny in comparison and can’t run well.
Judy Lehmberg was capturing footage of a Yellowstone bison herd with their newborns, but the encounter became much more exciting when a pack of wolves entered the scene!
Bison in Sunny Spring
Judy’s footage starts with a panned-out view of the herd as a whole. It was late calving season in Yellowstone, and many calves were already present in the herd, sticking close to their mothers.
As calving season slowly comes to a close in early summer, rutting season begins with males become aggressive to compete for female attention. Judy observed two bulls fighting head to head, but the day’s excitement was only just beginning…
Wolves Crash the Party
Suddenly, Judy noticed a pack of wolves approaching the herd. Weighing up to 2000 pounds with thick hides and powerful muscles, full-grown bison are quite a risky target for the grey wolves of Yellowstone, but their calves are a different story.
Wolves rely on their teamwork, endurance and strategy during a hunt, using methods like isolating the weak and persistent harassment to wear down their target. Judy watched as the wolves chased around some of the adults, inciting chaos within the herd.
A few moments later, however, the wolves decided to change their strategy.
Targeting the Vulnerable
Judy spotted a mother just about to give birth, but she wasn’t the only one who had her attention fixed on the bison. The wolves were watching her closely, ready to scoop up an easy meal as soon as she gave birth.
Birthing is one of the most stressful times in any animal’s life, as mothers not only have to worry about their safety while in a vulnerable state, but also the safety of their babies. The minute a bison calf is born, a mother must be on high alert for any predators lying in wait.
This birth was no exception. The minute the calf was born, the wolves closed in and began to harass the mother who had to put up a fight within minutes of pushing her body to the limits.
A Big Mistake
This incredible mother defended her young one fiercely, but the wolves were incredibly determined. After being harassed for a long time, the mother, in her desperate state, seemed to think that the best option would be to get some reinforcements from the herd.
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This, however, was a fatal error. The mother successfully managed to recruit other females from the herd to fend off the wolves, but by the time she came back, her calf had sadly already been stolen.
Although it was heartbreaking to watch, Judy understood that this is the reality of the circle of life. “Of course the wolves have to survive as well so it is Nature taking its course.”
In the untamed wild of Yellowstone National Park, every birth is both a miracle and a risk. This encounter reminds us that for predators and prey alike, survival hinges on instinct, timing, and the unforgiving laws of the wild.