Bison weathering blizzard aftermath

Lack of feed still a concern, but buffalo adapt to winter blast

Bison are weathering the High Plains blizzard conditions that are causing major concerns for other sectors of the livestock industry, although the lack of forage beneath the snow is forcing buffalo ranchers to struggle to haul feed for the animals, according to the National Bison Association.

"If the persistent drought hadn't robbed the pastures of all of the grass this year, our herds would be doing just fine," said Dave Carter, executive director of the National Bison Association. "Bison are uniquely adapted to survive winter conditions and to dig through the snow for forage. Unfortunately, there's no forage beneath the snow this year. That means many of our ranchers are facing the same feed shortage situation as their neighbors in the cattle business."

Because bison are undomesticated, the animals still retain their natural ability to survive harsh climate conditions. Carter said that bison walk into the wind, unlike domesticated livestock that tend to be driven with the wind. "Animals that walk with the wind are likely to walk into the deep snowdrifts, whereas those animals that walk toward the wind will find clearer ground," he said.

Carter added that bison use their massive head like a snowplow to push aside the snow to reach the dormant grass below. "If Mother Nature had left grass in the pastures this year, our animals would be enjoying the brisk winter weather."

If the cold, snowy conditions persist, bison ranchers will enjoy another benefit of the species, Carter added. "Bison naturally calve later than cattle, and they calve more easily. Thus, most bison won't start calving until April, and the ranchers don't have to worry about assisting the mammas in delivering the calves. That is a nice benefit during the snowy, muddy late winter months."

Date: 1/11/07

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