It’s that time of year again when the bison of Yellowstone National Park have entered the mating season or rut. During the rut bison bulls engage in various courtship behaviors including vocalizations called bellows that can be heard across the park, wallowing where violently roll on the ground to display aggression sometime kicking up large dust clouds, and fighting where males compete with each other to prove dominance and establish mating rights.
Bulls can lose almost 12% of their body weight during the rut (200 pounds). This is because time usually spent grazing is dedicated to tending females and breeding activities.
The rut it an exciting time to visit Yellowstone with bellows filling the air and bulls clashing for dominance but touristing observing bison during this time its important to remember male bison can be more easily agitated during this time which poses increased risks to visitors. Yellowstone National Park advises staying at least 25 yards away from all wildlife, including bison, but you may want to give them a bit extra until the rut dies down.
YELLSTONE NATIONAL PARK STATEMENT:
The bison rut is in full swing. You may see mature males with their mouth open, tongue out and upper lips pulled back.
This is how bull bison sniff pheromones and determine whether a female is ready to breed. Bulls will also display their dominance by bellowing, wallowing, and engaging in fights with other bulls. The winners earn the right to mate with receptive females.
Bison are unpredictable and can run three times faster than humans. Use extra caution and give them additional space during this time.
