Unusual behavior by Bison, Bison bison, toward Elk, Cervus elaphus, and wolves, Canis lupus
January 1, 2004
Incidents are described of Bison (Bison bison) in Yellowstone National Park mauling and possibly killing a young Elk (Cervus elaphus) calf, chasing wolves (Canis lupus) off Elk they had just killed or were killing, and keeping the wolves away for extended periods. During one of the latter cases, the Bison knocked a wolf-wounded Elk down. Bison were also seen approaching wolves that were resting and sleeping, rousting them, following them to new resting places and repeating this behavior. These behaviors might represent some type of generalized hyper-defensiveness that functions as an anti-predator strategy.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2004 |
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Title | Unusual behavior by Bison, Bison bison, toward Elk, Cervus elaphus, and wolves, Canis lupus |
DOI | 10.22621/cfn.v118i1.892 |
Authors | L. D. Mech, R.T. McIntyre, D.W. Smith |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Canadian Field-Naturalist |
Index ID | 70027784 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |