When a group of animals as large as buffalo decides to move, it is a good idea to get out of the way! This great footage was captured at Yellowstone National Park, and it shows a buffalo herd on the move. They are traveling down a road, bringing traffic to a standstill, but giving the occupants of the cars an excellent view as the herd races by. Read on to find out more about buffalo herds.
How Large Are Buffalo Herds?
The buffalo featured in the clip are not, strictly speaking, buffalo at all. They are American bison (Bison bison) and are North America’s largest terrestrial animals. There are around 30,000 American bison in the US in conservation herds. Over 400,000 more are commercially managed as livestock.
These are social animals that live in herds of around 20 individuals in the winter, up to 200 in the summer, and up to 1,000 during the breeding season in July and August. Outside the breeding season, males live alone or in small groups with other males.
How Do They Decide to Move?
Bison herds appear to be directed by older females. Research into their close relatives, the European bison, has shown that any member of the herd can prompt a move. However, most of the decisions are made by adult females. The decision to move is communicated to the rest of the herd when the female takes at least 20 steps without stopping or lowering her head to graze. This works best when most of the other bison are already facing the direction she is walking.
How Fast and How Far Do They Move?
Bison herds are led by older females.
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These are nomadic animals that can move several miles a day when they are feeding. How far they move is dictated by the quality and quantity of food and the availability of water. They will also move to get away from biting insects. When there is a threat that they feel they need to get away from, they will stampede. Some of these threats can come from human activity, but natural events such as falling trees and lightning can also cause them.
Bison may be huge (adult males can weigh up to 2,000 pounds), but they can also move pretty fast and are surprisingly agile. They can walk, trot, gallop, and bound with a top speed of 37 mph.
Staying Safe Around Buffalo
American bison are both large and unpredictable, which is a potentially dangerous combination. If you find yourself in a situation like the one in this clip, the official advice is to stay in your car. Be patient and observe them quietly. If you are on foot, stay at least 25 yards away from them, making a detour if necessary. Move slowly, and never surprise them. Remember that startling them can lead to stampedes!
