Dean M. Chriss
Photography
Bull Bison, Victory Bellow
(Click image to enlarge)
This enormous bull bison has just vanquished another bull in a long fight for
dominance. He chased the loser into the forest and then gave a deep and loud
bellow to declare victory. His nose and eye are covered in mud from the fight.
An eye covered in mud has got to hurt! I have witnessed many of these fights but
never one that seemed so serious.
A male bison like this one can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (907 kg) and stand 6
feet (1.8 m) at the shoulder. Females weigh up to 1,000 pounds (454 kg) and
reach a height of 4-5 feet about (1.5 m). Bison calves weigh 30-70 pounds
(13.6 - 31.8 kg) at birth. In areas where they still exist bison are
responsible for more injuries than any other animal. Bison can run at speeds
approaching 35 mph, which is as fast as a horse. They are also extremely
agile. Bison can turn quickly and jump up to six feet (1.82 m) vertically,
giving them the ability to clear high fences. The presence of an angry
bull is not to be taken lightly.