Buffalo / Bison
Buffalo or bison – which is correct? The correct name is "American Bison", but most everyone recognizes either term. Montana is one of the last places where bison live. They thrive in Yellowstone National Park and in areas just to the north of the Park boundaries, which makes the area south of Red Lodge a good place to get a picture of a bison/buffalo.
Buffalo are the largest plant-eating animal in North America. Some of the males can weigh as much as a ton and most of the females weigh between 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. Bison are unpredictable and due to their large size, can be quite dangerous. They have even been known to charge automobiles. Just because they are huge, does not mean that they are slow. If they are so inclined, they can reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. Do not try to outrun a buffalo – you can't!
Buffalo travel in herds, except the older males who are more solitary. During breeding season, the older males rejoin the herd and fight for the attention of the females. Females will leave the herd and find a secluded place for birthing, then rejoin the herd after their baby calf is about four days old.
Use extreme caution when watching bison, and once again, follow the golden rule of wildlife watching: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.