Watch a Bison Charge at a Grizzly Bear and Drive It Up a Hill in Yellowstone

Written by Megan Martin
Published: August 19, 2023
© Geoffrey Kuchera/Shutterstock.com
Share this post on:

Advertisement


Have you ever seen a bison and grizzly bear go head to head? While there’s no physical encounter between the two animals in the video at the bottom of this article, you’ll be able to watch as a bison stands its ground before chasing a grizzly bear away in Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park.

The video begins with a large bison trotting across the grass at the bottom of a lush hill. The camera veers to the right, next to where a young bear can be seen. It is seemingly unaware that the large bison is headed in its direction. As the bear notices the bison charging, it turns and begins to run up the hill behind them. The bison is relentless, however, pursuing the bear up the hill. By the time the video ends, the bear is still fleeing.

Do Bears Eat Bison?

Although the video at the end of this article may make it seem otherwise, grizzly bears actually prey on bison. They will both hunt living bison as well as eat the winter carcasses that freeze during the colder temperatures and are preserved until spring. However, bison are definitely one of the most skill-dependent hunts. This is due not only to their size but their large herds. As a result, for a young grizzly bear such as that in the video, a bison is more foe than food.

1,079 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz

Think You Can?
Grizzly bear on cliff
Large, adult grizzly bears may be able to hunt bison, but it can be a dangerous fight.

©Dennis W Donohue/Shutterstock.com

Other prey of adult grizzly bears can include:

  • Fish
  • Rodents
  • Elk
  • Moose
  • Fruits
  • Roots
  • Grasses.

Are Grizzly Bears the Only Bears in Yellowstone National Park?

Although this video shows one bear species, there are actually two species of bears in Yellowstone. In this park, you can find grizzly bears like in the video, but you can also find North American black bears. Black bears are smaller than grizzly bears, with smaller prey as well. Because of this, while an adult grizzly might take on a bison, an adult black bear may have a reaction more like this young grizzly.

Black Bear by the river fishing
Black bears can also be found in Yellowstone, along with grizzly bears and bison.

©Mark Caunt/Shutterstock.com

Watch the Unbelievable Video Below!


Share this post on:
About the Author

I'm an animal enthusiast with a love for birds and a background in writing. I graduated from Wingate University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a double minor in biology and professional and technical writing. Mountain lions are my favorite animals. In my free time, I like to bird watch or spend time watching nature documentaries.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.