Eye for American Bison – Nikon D500, f10, 1/6400, ISO 320, -1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Happy National Bison Day 2020! National Bison Day is an annual commemoration of the ecological, cultural, historical and economic contribution of a national icon, the American bison.
American Bison are the largest terrestrial animals in North America. The number of American Bison was once estimated to be at more 30 million before settlers arrived and hunted them to near extinction. In the dark days of our history American Bison were killed and left to rot on the prairies and plains to starve Native Americans with nods of approval from our own government.
American Bison were saved through the combined efforts of conservationists, scientists, ranchers, Native American tribes and the general public. Today bison are being reintroduced to lands that they were extirpated from centuries ago and for bison lovers that is cause for celebration of this iconic mammal. Native Americans want bison back on their ancestral lands and conservationists know that the reintroduction of bison can restore the Plains ecosystems.
Bull American Bison grazing through snow on Antelope Island State Park – Nikon D500, f13, 1/400, ISO 500, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I’m very fortunate to live close to Antelope Island State Park which has a herd of American Bison that I can observe and photograph practically any day of the year. Visitors to the park can see the bison grazing from the historic Garr Ranch on the south end of the island to the northern most tip at Ladyfinger Point.
Personally I can’t imagine this country without American Bison. The celebration of National Bison Day is also a reminder that there is still work to be done to restore this species to more of their historical range.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Bison photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love your shots!
The Bison to me is iconic for the American West!
Love these shots. A good commemoration.
What an incredible shot, of a magnificent animal.
I am so glad that conservation is under way – and that we didn’t (as we so often do) leave it until it was too later.
The big bulls sound like steam engine trains, The bison huff and puff a deep base sound with every step. I love watching the young bulls spar. I wonder what ratio of males and females the Island keeps after the roundup?
Beautiful shots. Like looking at the past. The same feeling I get when I find American Chestnut saplings hanging on here in the northeast. Hopefully also looking at the future