Buried in Snow, Yellowstone's Bison Have No Problems Weathering Winter
a day ago
- #Winter Survival
- #Yellowstone
- #Bison
- Bison in Yellowstone are well-adapted to winter with thick hair, fat layers, and internal heating.
- Snow acts as insulation for bison, helping them retain body heat.
- Bison's winter fur is layered, with guard hairs and a downy layer, functioning like a down coat.
- Bison generate internal heat through a four-part stomach system that ferments sparse winter grass.
- Bison utilize Yellowstone's thermal features, which provide warm spots to rest during winter.
- Bison conserve energy in winter by moving minimally and traveling single file through snow.
- The most dangerous time for bison is late winter/early spring when fat reserves are low but spring forage isn't available.
- Bison have few natural predators; historical threats included drowning while crossing frozen rivers.
- Human activities, like vehicle collisions and hunting, are significant causes of bison mortality.
- Overgrazing in Yellowstone may contribute to some winter bison deaths.