Escapees May-June 2023

camping chair chat

PHOTO BY GREG STANGL.

Bison are nomadic grazers and travel in herds. The bulls, which are slightly smaller than females, leave the larger group at two or three years of age and join a herd of males. Mature bulls rarely travel alone. However, toward the end of the summer, the bulls will seek out females when the urge strikes. Reddish-brown calves are born in late April and May. The carefully protected calves can keep up with the herd two to three hours after birth. It is important to note that the Bison's temperament is highly unpredictable. They often appear peaceful and even lazy, yet they may attack anything without warning or apparent reason. They can move up to 35 mph and cover long distances at a lumbering speed. While fi lming a large group wandering along a trail one day, I observed them suddenly changing directions and charging back from where they came. When dealing with bison, the number one rule is always to observe them from a safe distance, staying at least 100 yards from them. Stay close to your vehicle and keep your car between you and them. There have been rare incidents where tourists have been killed or mauled, but common sense will keep you safe. Bison's massive heads can be used as battering rams using the momentum produced by their large build. However, their most dangerous weapons are the horns on both males and females. They will also use their hind

Opinions contained in “Camping Chair Chat” are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. This column is for Escapees magazine readers to share thoughts, ideas and helpful hints. Escapees RV Club accepts no responsibility for what is expressed here by any person, group or company. If accepted, submissions will be edited for magazine style and formatting. Submissions that are sent by e-mail can be directed to department seditor@escapees.com. Be sure to put Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park on your bucket list of places to visit. Seeing the bison in their natural habitat is a life-chang ing experience and once seen, they are not easily forgotten. By Greg Stangl #177901 legs to kill or maim, especially when defending a calf from predators such as wolves and brown bears. Later that same day, I was caught in a small traf fi c jam when a herd of bison decided to cross the road in front of my Jeep. Some other cars drove up and parked to the left and right of me. Cars crowded in, with more people wanting to see the bison cross. In the car next to me was a chatty four or fi ve-year-old girl happily talking away to her grandma. As the bison crossed, she stopped talking! Mouth wide open, large eyes were staring at the bison. I am sure this is something she will never forget.

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May/June 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine