- Post score: 51
- #1
These photos were taken in Yellowstone National Park. I have deliberately not posted the gorier images and apologize in advance if anyone finds these photos disturbing. On the morning of January 20, 2024, a pack of ten wolves cornered a bison at the edge of the Firehole River. We watched for about six hours as the wolves took turns keeping the bison on its feet, biting at its tail, while carefully avoiding a kick or gore. It was amazing to see how the group conserved energy as they patiently wore out the bison, supervised by the alpha male. Their interactions were mesmerizing. At the end, just before sunset, when it was clear that the bison was exhausted, the wolves attacked as a group. To our compete surprise, the bison forced itself to its feet and simply walked into the river (something it could have done hours earlier). It was as if the bison preferred to control its final moments. I was particularly struck by the intensity of the wolves’ eyes as they watched from the shoreline. As the light faded, the bison succumbed in the river. During the night the carcass washed to shore, and by morning there was nothing but bones. It was an awesome, fascinating, and humbling experience.
