Vivian and I visited Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to see the “Pioneer Woman” and were greatly impressed when we took a side trip to the Tall Grass Prairie Preserve and its magnificent “herd” of BISON, which many of us would probably just call BUFFALO. Periodically, as we carefully drove the rock roads through the preserve, we saw signs that stated the following: Beware of the Bison! Further clarification under some of the signs stated that we should stay in our vehicles; not drive too closely to the bison, especially as they were crossing the roadways; not get out of our vehicles when bison were near; never, never attempt to get at all close to the bison on foot. And the following really got my attention: Bison can run faster than humans, much faster! More about this a little farther down!
More information shared that American Bison can grow to a height of about 6 ½ feet and a length of 11 ½ feet and can weigh anywhere from about 800 to 2,600 pounds. I searched various sites—and weights varied—some below this report and some even above!
They usually travel in herds and can run up to 35 miles per hour and can continue a gallop for quite long periods of time.
Their “weapons” of defense or attack are their legs, mighty heads, and horns, and they can go from appearing docile and friendly and even lazy to unpredictable, belligerent, and savage.
And if it is the mating season or there are young to protect, the reactions of mature bison can be even more immediate and dangerous!
Vivian and I saw a little of this behavior when we moved our SUV to the side of the road to get clearer photos, and one of the males noticed us, snorted and pawed the ground, and moved nervously—and we were actually pretty far away, but not the 50 or 60 yards that we later learned was the recommended safest “close” distance! We did not move closer and did not move inside the vehicle; after awhile the group (small herd) moved on down the ravine and up the hill to a more grassy area.
I had not thought much more of our experience except once when one of our friends said their group was hoping to see some buffalo in the wild on their trip, and we then shared our experiences.
BUT, not many days ago, I saw in a news release and heard on a television news story that a woman was “gored by a bison in Caprock Canyons State Park” in the Panhandle area of Texas south and east of Amarillo as “she was walking a trail where bison were walking and grazing nearby.” The bison were remnants of the Goodnight Herd raised at the end of the 1800s to try to save them from extinction.
According to the news report, she continued to video record the nature show, telling the animals to “keep going.”
To make a not too long story even shorter, a bison took notice and then offense and charged, goring her and throwing her into a mesquite bush, where she lay for about an hour (texted her friends for help) before she was taken to a medical facility, where she was reported to be quite injured but would recover O. K.
So, if you plan to visit a bison area, or just happen to, you might remember this warning from the news release. If bison appear restless, paw the ground, lower their heads, raise their tails, turn quickly your way, or snort, they may have interpreted your head-on gaze with a camera as an intrusion upon their ground! Leave the area quickly and quietly!
My wife and I are still in awe of these creatures and amazed at their size, speed, and majestic beauty!
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