Big bison observation #8: Bison like to wallow

 On thing American bison frequently like doing is rolling around, or wallowing, in dusty soil.  No one really knows for sure why but it is thought that it might help spread scent, control insects, and enhance social cohesion.  Our bison will usually wallow in just about any type of soil, but seem to prefer fine sand over clay and the dustier the better.  Getting photographs of a full-blown wallow wasn't easy as they usually don't wallow when I'm around.

The typical wallow starts with the bison rolling on to one side from a sitting position.

The roll continues untill both legs are up and off the ground.  I didn't get a photo of it during this roll, but the momentum of the roll is often great enough that, at its peak, all four legs are sticking straight out at an angle of between 45 and 90 degrees from the ground.

The first roll completed and she starts into another one.

Really grind that dirt into your fur. 

You can see the legs sticking straight out on this one. 

And its done. 

Time to stand up and let the extra dust fall off. 

That's a good dust plume.