A Wild, Up-close Experience with Bison

When I look into the eyes of an animal, I don’t see an animal; I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul. A.D Williams.

I have been lucky enough to have an enchanted place a few miles away from my home. Whenever I feel down or stressed, I pack my camera, some fruit, and put myself behind the wheel and drive to Antelope Island. There I meet with my friends, hundreds of bison enjoying life and nature. I have come to feel welcome by then when I am there. I love contemplating them. It seems they are always peaceful. I can feel it. They instill in me. I go back home rejuvinated.

When I heard the American Heritage Center was holding its first buffalo tour, I immediately reserved a spot for my family and me.  I loved that we were the only ones riding in the wagon. It was a cold but beautiful morning. The sky wears an intense blue decorated with big, fat, bright white clouds. I won’t lie; I was more excited than my 4-year-old.

The ride was fun, along the road we saw the gorgeous horses that were eating having the mountains in the background. I must had snapped too many pictures because my card memory got full!

Our tour guide gave us the tour in Spanish. My mom and dad, who do not speak English were so happy. They could ask questions.

I had never before seen white-ish bison. The ones on Antelope Island and Yellowstone are dark brown. Those in the American Heritage Center seem to be smaller.  

Some curious facts I learned is that they have more hair than cows. The gestation period is the same as human, nine-months. They give birth to their first calves at the age of 3.  They run as fast as 40 MPH and are not aggressive. However, they will attack to defend themselves and their calves. So be careful! They weigh around 2,000 pounds and live a span of 20-25 years.  There are approximately 500,000-head in North America. Yellowstone has the largest free-roaming bison population in the world, 3,500-head.  Native Americans relied on bison for shelter, clothing, meat, and it was a source for their utensils and tools that it became a spiritual focus.

At the end of the tour I was happy and giggling like a little girl. I got to be close to bison, learn and enjoy the breath-taking view of Cache Valley.

If you love photography you should check the awesome deals Amazon is having on DRL cameras. My photography equipment includes a GoPro, they are so cool and easy to use, and a Canon 7D, which is simply an awesome camera.

Check what traveling solo is like!

They are having the baby animals days on March 31s, April 1st, and 2nd. You don’t want to miss them!