Bad Ass Bison

In *Dances With Wolves*, https://youtu.be/PnffktauNZw?si=8Eg1P2Z8q6CnDwAz  you see large herds of Bison running across the plains. They are magnificent in their movement. The dust from their run fills the air as the Bison move in unison, creating a dramatic effect. Photographing bison in Yellowstone didn't show the impact seen in *Dances With Wolves*. What I experienced were slow-moving, gentle-looking giants walking across Yellowstone's fields. Their deliberate, slow walk created a perfect opportunity to take bison portraits that captured their essence and beauty. Photographing the Bison allowed me to capture their essence, giving the impression that these “dangerous” animals are gentle giants. However, improper human interaction has led to serious consequences. Knowing the aggressive history of interaction between the Bison and humans, I stayed the recommended 25 yards away, taking these photographs with a Sony AR7V and a 200-600 mm Sony E-Mount lens.

Learn what happens when you get too close and try to pet a bison: https://youtube.com/shorts/rGXGGExKU-U?si=1Dk_jgd7sCpwaGIV

While photographing the bison from a roadside hill, I experienced an unexpected surprise. As I took pictures of the bison grazing, one slowly approached me from behind. It came much closer than 25 yards. In response to this close encounter, I continued with my deliberate actions of photographing the bison, making no sudden moves and maintaining my distance, neither moving closer nor farther away from it. I kept still, and the bison maintained its distance, moving away from me to continue its journey across the road. I knew not to approach the bison, try to make physical contact, or to make sudden, unexpected movements. In response, the Bison gently continued to walk and graze as if I were not even there.

Wildlife photography is an adventure. I always educate myself about the subject I am photographing so I gain an understanding of the animals' behavior. Sometimes there are surprises, such as this too-close encounter with a Bison.

Stuart F, James, PhotoHunter