The Pointy End

 

Bison are icons of America's wildlife heritage. And they nearly became emblematic of our hubris as well. We nearly slaughtered bison to extinction in the United States, but a remnant herd in the remote reaches of Yellowstone National Park preserved the species. Today, they are symbols of our first and arguably best national park.

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A bull bison presides over Hayden Valley. I spent a summer in college working at the park, scooping ice cream at Old Faithful Lodge. I scouted the Mary Mountain Trail in Hayden Valley before a hike because this trail can often be closed from bear activity. But the coast was clear. The next day, the valley was covered in bison, making the hike a little more exciting for me and my hiking companion, Mia. We had to yield to bison several times while hiking the trail. Bulls are especially dangerous in August during the rut, so we made a wide berth around them. The hike turned out to be hot and buggy, so we cut it short after a few hours. When we got back to the car, I realized I had left my headlights on. I didn't notice it because the morning fog had burned off in the bright morning sun. My battery was dead. After hitchhiking into the nearest gas station, battery in tow, we offered to wash a ranger's truck for a ride back to the car. Then we climbed Avalanche Peak that afternoon. What a day!

Bison have almost humanlike faces, which explains why they figure so prominently in mythology like the Minotaur. They also hold a special place in Native American folklore.

Bison graze in Yellowstone's famed Lamar Valley. This valley is a winter favorite for wolf-watchers. I spied a black wolf a million miles away here one day. I had better luck photographing coyotes.

Juvenile bison chase each other around a sagebrush flat in Hayden Valley. Watching these bison play was a highlight of the day.

A lone bison grazes along the Firehole River. Bison are common sights in Old Faithful Village. When you see them every day, you might be tempted to take them for granted. And for most of the year, the bison are docile and pay little attention to visitors. But having grown up fishing at a lake with a resident domesticated bull who was as dangerous as a forest fire, I always respected their boundaries. 

A relaxed bison rests at the top of a mountain pass, giving me a chance to get a portrait with my long lens from the safety of my car. Bison use the park roads to cross the mountains. That only makes sense. Many of these roads used to be ancient animal trails that cut through unforgiving terrain by the easiest path. Driving through the park at night is especially dangerous because you can't see the bison sharing the road. But this one was obliging as he chewed his cud and rested for the punishing hike down to the meadows. I especially like the little pine garland on his head. During the rut, the bulls take out their frustration on the shrubbery.