This morning I’m sharing a photo of an American Bison that appeared to be whispering secrets to another bison that I photographed on Antelope Island State Park. I took the image on the east side of the island three years ago.
American Bison secrets in the snow – Nikon D500, f9, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
I understand that the bison bull wasn’t actually whispering secrets to the cow, but in that moment captured through my lens, it certainly seemed that way. Because of that, I was drawn to this photo of the bull seemingly sharing a moment with the cow.
American Bison Do Communicate With Each Other
American bison communicate with each other using a combination of vocalizations, visual cues, and olfactory signals. They can vocalize through grunts, snorts, coughs, growls, and bellowing. Those sounds can convey information about dominance, mating success, reproductive status, and competitive ability.
Additionally, bison use visual communication, such as aggressive behaviors, to establish dominance and compete for mating opportunities. Olfactory signals, including pheromones and smells, are also essential for communication, particularly during reproduction. These various communication methods play a crucial role in the social dynamics and reproductive behavior of American bison.
Examples of bison communication:
- Vocalizations: Grunts, snorts, coughs, growls, and bellowing.
- Visual cues: Aggressive behaviors, dominance displays, and mating rituals.
- Olfactory signals: Pheromones and smells, especially during reproduction.
Over the years since I moved to Utah, I have enjoyed seeing the American Bison herds on Antelope Island. I’ve looked forward to seeing the young bison, or “reds,” soon after they were born. I’ve observed bulls fighting for dominance during their rutting season. One of my favorite views of these bison is when the herds thunder down the hillsides of the mountains to get a drink from the freshwater springs.
I’m extremely glad that we didn’t lose the American Bison to extinction.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Bison photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love the photo!
Very interesting pic and info. Clearly they were whispering sweet nothings in anticipation of spring.
American Bison are among my most favorite beasties. We were in Yellowstone last summer and saw a lot of bison up close and personal [from the safety of our car]. They are remarkably huge and incredibly powerful! It astounds me that so many idiots try to get too close, or otherwise provoke these animals. I love it when I see videos of those people getting their comeuppance from a pissed-off Bull. I know I’m preaching to the choir…but your Bison shots always light me up. Thanks Mia.
Thank you for the bison shots and information about their communication methods!-Jeri Spann
Wonderful shot with the perfect caption!
Thank you for sharing this gem of a shot! To my eye, he’s going in to either tell a secret or steal a kiss. Either way, the other bull looks to be not amused. 😉
Autocorrect is not my friend. Learning not leaning.
Learning not leaning.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.
I really appreciate leaning from you.
Nice capture of a subtle encounter. Interesting info about their communication sounds and behaviors.