American Bison (Bison bison)

[Tshokwane]

Credits to Deby Dixon.

Coming Through


An oldie but goodie

I took this image of a bull bison several years ago - it shows the power of these impressive animals as they struggle to survive in Winter. Conditions are harsh and they are survivors. Bison also have a sense of humor and often mess with us by standing in the road or coming our way and making us move. Recently, I watched two bulls approach the Wapiti wolves as they slept, making the whole pack rise from their naps and move on. Kind of pranksters is the feeling I get when looking into their eyes. They also mourn death, not only with other bison but I have witnessed this with elk. When we see them out there in Lamar Valley they just look like big old lugs that eat grass, poop and sleep. But, they are so much more if you take the time to get to know them.

While I do love the bison, I also see the reality of their predicament - there is no room for the herd to grow because Montana will only allow them out of the park to be shot. Because of this their numbers must be culled, otherwise the bison will devastate the eco-system as the elk once did. People are offended when I mention eating bison meat but I am only trying to keep things real and honest - show myself as a real person who prefers to eat meat. Bison meat is the best I have ever tasted and it is so much healthier than beef filled with hormones and antibiotics and fed feed with pesticides and other things. Living here, something I never thought would be possible to deal with, has taught me so much about real life and has drawn me away from illusion to reality - it isn't all pretty like flowers, but beautiful and real.

*This image is copyright of its original author

Reply