Nervous Water

In the late 1800s buffalo herds that had once numbered in the tens of millions in North America were reduced to approximately two dozen wild buffalo living in Yellowstone's Pelican Valley. Their recovery, however, has been a great success story. Showing what focused conservation efforts can bring about. Each spring cow bison give birth to the calves that they have carried through harsh winter months. These newly born calves are affectionately known as 'red dogs' due to their coloration and playful nature. One of several major threats to the survival of the red dogs is their ability to ford powerful river currents bulging from spring runoff as bison herds crisscross valley floors. As spring eventually turns to summer the calves become more powerful swimmers and the power of the river currents begins to subside. What never subsides, however, is the watchful eye of mamma bison as she shields her young from the dangers of crossing the Yellowstone River.

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Filename: YNP-2144-NervousWater.jpg
Copyright: © 2019 Dotson
Image Size: 3992x2203 / 2.1MB; National Parks & Monuments North America Things United States Yellowstone Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone River animal animals big game bison calf calves geography mammal mammals natural nature places recreation red dog seasons sport sports spring summer survival swimming water sports weather wildlife
Contained in galleries: Fine Art Wildlife

In the late 1800s buffalo herds that had once numbered in the tens of millions in North America were reduced to approximately two dozen wild buffalo living in Yellowstone's Pelican Valley. Their recovery, however, has been a great success story. Showing what focused conservation efforts can bring about. Each spring cow bison give birth to the calves that they have carried through harsh winter months. These newly born calves are affectionately known as 'red dogs' due to their coloration and playful nature. One of several major threats to the survival of the red dogs is their ability to ford powerful river currents bulging from spring runoff as bison herds crisscross valley floors. As spring eventually turns to summer the calves become more powerful swimmers and the power of the river currents begins to subside. What never subsides, however, is the watchful eye of mamma bison as she shields her young from the dangers of crossing the Yellowstone River.