Unusual behavior by bison, Bison bison, toward elk, Cervus elaphus, and wolves, Canis lupus

Canadian Field-Naturalist
By: , and 

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Abstract

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.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Unusual behavior by bison, Bison bison, toward elk, Cervus elaphus, and wolves, Canis lupus
Series title Canadian Field-Naturalist
DOI 10.22621/cfn.v118i1.892
Volume 118
Issue 1
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher PKP Publishing Services
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 4 p.
First page 115
Last page 118
Country United States
State Idaho, Montana, Wyoming
Other Geospatial Yellowstone National Park
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