Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · RMNP

Bison Rut

Discussion

15 replies
Posted by Dave Showalter` on August 16, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Bison Rut
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR bison are in rut - they mate before other ungulates because the gestation is around 9 months. There is a wide variety of behavior going on and they are fascinating to watch.

This one is 2 young bulls sparring - they'll be "in the game" in about 2 years.
Posted by Dave Showalter` on August 16, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Bull Bison Lip Curl, or "flehmen" behavior, where they use an olfactory organ in their mouth to test the readiness of a female for mating. All ungulates (elk, deer, moose) do this.
Posted by Dave Showalter` on August 16, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Rolling in dirt to cool off.
Posted by Dave Showalter` on August 16, 2007 at 12:10 PM
Calf jumping on mom - they are now the same color.
Posted by Lance Warley on August 16, 2007 at 12:20 PM
What a series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for posting these, Dave.
Posted by Don Grall on August 16, 2007 at 2:15 PM
/very cool, Dave. I especially liked the last one.
Posted by Dan Walters on August 16, 2007 at 4:36 PM
Great shots Dave! I love the light in these images. Where are the bison within the refuge?
Posted by Stan Rose on August 16, 2007 at 6:38 PM
great stuff, Dave--thanks for posting!
Posted by Laurent Baig on August 17, 2007 at 2:53 AM
Cool!!!
Posted by Rick Dunn on August 17, 2007 at 7:54 AM
Very cool series, Dave! I had no idea that they go into rut so early. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by bill meikle on August 17, 2007 at 8:52 AM
Dave, how close can you get to the bison, I intend to go down soon, any advice? What lens were you using??

thanks

Bill
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 17, 2007 at 3:01 PM
Great set, Dave! That third one is just crying out for a caption contest.
Posted by Rick Dunn on August 17, 2007 at 9:34 PM
That third one is just crying out for a caption contest.

Don't drink 'n rut
Posted by Chad Rudd on August 17, 2007 at 10:24 PM

Fantastic, Dave!

I'm pretty sure I saw that same lip curl back in my college days at the local watering hole. :cool:
Posted by Dave Showalter` on August 17, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Thanks for the comments, folks.

Dan and Bill, unfortunately, the bison aren't in a location where they can be photographed by the public yet. The fenced-in pasture is in the NW corner and is around 1400 acres - maybe 2 1/2 miles square. The FWS doesn't want photogs/vistiors next to the fence because of concern that the bison will challenge the fence. So, the best I can do is share the images that I get as the story of the only wild bison on Colorado's Great Plains unfolds. I'll be sure to let you know if a photo opp develops.
Posted by bill meikle on August 17, 2007 at 11:53 PM
Dave, thanks I guess it's back to the Badlands then to get some bison pics. Pity. In other areas like Yellowstone the bison run down the road and mix with the people and the traffic, so what is their real concern?? By the way I recognise the danger that bison represent to the public.

Bill