Fans of native fauna should visit San Angelo State Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where they can see the local herd of Bison making their rounds.
The park ranger said the herd numbers close to forty now that most of the heifers have calved. Six calves in all — one only a week old.
And like all young critters, they like to be quite silly and play.
Running up and headbutting one another, mimicking their elders, and shakily finding their way in the world with pure curiosity.
Some are a little more outgoing than others, starting little fights around the feeding grounds. Only a few weeks old and already sorting out the pecking order.
Meanwhile, at the adult table, the drama centers on how the younger bulls have been bullying the oldest, who one regular visitor refers to as “Big Daddy.” He’s now off in a secure area getting some needed care and attention after taking an injury to the leg.
The program at San Angelo began circa 2005. Several groups there were on different tours of rural state parks, several had all visited Caprock Canyon State Park, where many of this herd originate.
Plains Bison make up approximately two thirds of the North American population, around 20,000. Wood Bison are distinguished by their larger size and their large squarish hump, and are mostly found in Canada and Alaska, where they originate.
These are Plains Bison, and a little bit smaller than other herds in body size. There was some talk about splitting the herd and giving them all more room to grow.
According to the TPWD, the herd at Caprock are genetically distinct from other Plains Herds, representing the last of the remaining Southern Plains bison.
The struggle this time of year is helping them survive the heat. Just like any animal they can grow dehydrated and malnourished in hot weather. They’re given hay, pellets, protein supplement, and plenty of shady spots to help them along.
The ranger explains one issue faced by any herd like this: woodtongue, an infection caused by Actinobacillus that enters the cows mouth sometimes through eating thorns and cacti, and causes the cows tongue to grow stiff and hang out of their mouths. Obviously, an issue for feeding.
The herd this year is healthy and happy. Just don’t get too close to the fence.
