Taking A Break

Bison are undoubtedly the iconic image of the Great Plains and the Old West, symbolizing the wild and untamed spirit of the American landscape. These magnificent animals are massive, shaggy beasts, and they proudly hold the title of the heaviest land animals in all of North America. Despite their hefty size and formidable presence, bison are surprisingly quick on their feet—when the need arises, they can run at impressive speeds of up to 35 miles an hour! Their curved, sharp horns can grow to be as long as 2 feet, adding to their striking appearance.

In the wild, females, referred to as cows, and adult males, known as bulls, typically live in small, separate bands. However, during the lively summer breeding season, they come together to form very large herds that can be quite a sight to behold. Males often engage in impressive battles for mating rights, but such contests are usually more about show than serious danger. After a relatively long nine-month pregnancy, females give birth to one calf, continuing the cycle of life in this breathtaking ecosystem.

This particular shot was captured not long after a gentle snowfall on a chilly winter day. This large bison decided to lay down and take a restful break amidst the beautiful white blanket of snow covering the ground, which did not seem to bother this massive creature at all. I adore how the steam is steaming out of the bison’s nostrils, perfectly illustrating just how cold of a day it truly was. Every time I encounter a bison, I am always reminded of one of nature's most important rules: “Do not pet the fluffy cows!”

Location: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado