Bison At Prairie State Park
Earlier in the week I had a sinus infection and a UTI – at the same time. So I went to the doctor and got an antibiotic that is taking care of both problems. Yay!
Then today, when I was just starting to feel better, I realized that I’m coming down with a cold. Sigh…
Anyway…
Last weekend we paid a visit to Prairie State Park in southwest Missouri. The park is about 4000 acres in size and is covered with native grasses and wildflowers, and also boasts a herd of 100 head of bison and 25 elk. We drove the road the bisects the park, but didn’t see any animals. So we drove the perimeter roads and finally we caught sight of some of the bison.
Here’s a short video I took. The largest one is the bull, and the rest are cows and their calves.
The bull is the big guy in the beginning, chewing and staring us down at the same time. To give you an idea of just how big he was, the top of his shoulder was about head high on us, maybe taller. Not to worry, there was a sturdy fence between him and us. Did you notice how he sized us up at the end of the video, decided he didn’t want his girls near us anymore, and then deftly ushered them away? What a beautiful animal.
The park is one we’ll definitely be visiting again. For more information, click HERE to visit the park’s official website.
Have a great day all, and see you soon.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxi’msotiredofnotfeelingwelloxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
I agree Suzanne, so beautiful are these animals, I had to watch the video several times. Do you think the bison has more than one stomach like cattle? He is doing a lot of chewing, while he keeps both eyes on you. Thanks for the lovely pics, they put a smile on my face! Feel better, rest, and drink hot tea with honey, helps the scratchy throat.
Yes, bison, like cattle, have 4 stomachs.
Thanks Carol, am feeling better today.
I’m so glad to know about this place. When I visit family in KCMO, I head right up 49 to Harrisonville, so I pass very near to it. My next trip is scheduled for the spring, and I’ve already put this on my itinerary!
Thanks for sharing that magnificent herd with us; he most certainly is majestic and yet so solidly gentle. If that makes sense…the way he moves his family away without any outward sign – how do they communicate? With deep tones that we cannot hear? With body language that only they, as a species, understand? Fascinating-your blog makes me think about our wildlife and how they live.
Ugh! So sorry you’ve been under the weather. Hope your cold is a quick one! Just want to tell you how much I enjoy your beautiful blog and your sunny disposition. Get well soon!
They are just magnificent creatures. How close were you ? I would have been terrified (I’m a city girl through and through)!
We were within 10-15 feet of them, but there was a fence between them and us.
Thanks, Lyn!
Thanks, Suzanne, for the video! They’re fascinating, aren’t they? It would be neat to know how he communicated that notice to his herd, that they were going to be leaving!
I’m sorry you’ve not been feeling well – hope you’re all better now! It’s not fun being sick, and you got a triple whammy!
Take good care of yourself!
If bison decide to go somewhere, a fence is not an obstacle. Just saying.
Yeah, but it’ll slow them down enough to allow me time to get out of the way.