Bull's Eye - In Mono

Bison ranging in the Grand Teton National Park are not as numerous as those found to the north in Yellowstone. But the August rutting ritual of Grand Teton's bison is no less fierce. These bull bison, weighing in as much as a ton, will fight with ferocity to challenge any rutting behavior found anywhere in nature. Frequently, these battles result in the fatality of their opponent, providing timely food sources for wolves, grizzlies, coyotes, eagles and foxes going into winter. This image of a young bull bison is a noted exception to this potentially deadly ritual. Young bulls will spar with other maturing bulls in anticipation of future clashes to secure breeding rights. The intensity shown in this bull's countenance, however, foretells of his pending birthright. A clear intent to engage a defeat his opponent in order to rule his herd’s domain and pass along his genetic strength.

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Filename: GTNP-5379-BullsEye.jpg
Copyright: © 2021 Robert Dotson
Image Size: 5584x3728 / 13.8MB; http://www.robertdotson.com; Grand Teton National Park National Parks & Monuments North America Things United States animal animals art autumn behavior big game bison black and white bull bison combat fall fight fighting geography mammal mammals monochrome natural nature photograph photography picture places rutting seasons sparing style weather wildlife
Contained in galleries: Fine Art Wildlife

Bison ranging in the Grand Teton National Park are not as numerous as those found to the north in Yellowstone. But the August rutting ritual of Grand Teton's bison is no less fierce. These bull bison, weighing in as much as a ton, will fight with ferocity to challenge any rutting behavior found anywhere in nature. Frequently, these battles result in the fatality of their opponent, providing timely food sources for wolves, grizzlies, coyotes, eagles and foxes going into winter. This image of a young bull bison is a noted exception to this potentially deadly ritual. Young bulls will spar with other maturing bulls in anticipation of future clashes to secure breeding rights. The intensity shown in this bull's countenance, however, foretells of his pending birthright. A clear intent to engage a defeat his opponent in order to rule his herd’s domain and pass along his genetic strength.