Bison
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Bison are large bovines in the genus Bison (Greek: "wild ox" (bison)) within the tribe Bovini. Two extant and numerous extinct species are recognised.
Wallowing
Wallowing is a common behavior of bison. A bison wallow is a shallow depression in the soil, either wet or dry. Bison roll in these depressions, covering themselves with mud or dust. Possible explanations suggested for wallowing behavior include grooming behavior associated with moulting, male-male interaction (typically rutting behavior), social behavior for group cohesion, play behavior, relief from skin irritation due to biting insects, reduction of ectoparasite load (ticks and lice), and thermoregulation.
In the process of wallowing bison may become infected by the fatal disease anthrax, which may occur naturally in the soil.
See also
- A Pile of Bison Skulls (circa 1870)
- Bison (Eadweard Muybridge)
