30 Hours of Documenting a Dead Bison in Yellowstone National Park

Every year, over 4 million visitors make their way to the corners of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho to visit Yellowstone National Park. Established as the nations first in 1872, Yellowstone spans over 3,471 square miles and includes some of the most diverse geology in the country as well as outstanding wildlife viewing.

Lamar Valley, located in the northeastern section is world-renowned for its population of grizzlies, wolves, coyotes, bison, and more, but with one caveat; With the exception of bison who create roadblocks within the roads, most predators are usually found at a squinting distance unless one has a set of hi-powered binoculars or a spotting scope. Even then, they are more than likely found a mile or two in the distance. Despite Lamar Valley being the most well-known hub, over 3,500 bison, 700 bears & 500 wolves call the park home, reaching across every corner. And every once and awhile, on a lucky chance, you find yourself able to view the process of nature at a football field's length. 

That is what happened to me as I made my way back from West Yellowstone, a small tourist town located just outside the park perimeter, near Madison Junction. I ran into town to gather some supplies and on my way back, I was able to hear gunshots ringing out through the tree line. Concerned poachers may possibly be in the area, I tracked down a ranger to report the gunfire. That is when I was told there was a group of rangers about a mile further up the road. A bison had died just a few hundred feet from the road, across the Madison river, and rangers were preparing for predators to feast on the mammal. By preparation, this more or less meant putting up a tape barrier in place so visitors didn't get too close. Both for their safety, but also not to scare away any potential animals coming to eat. The distance was about 125 yards, with a 40-foot waterway in the middle.

Very rarely does such a prime opportunity present itself to be one of the first to learn about this death. Earlier this morning I learned that a man had witnessed the death firsthand. 2 bull bison got into a scuffle, and one was gorged in the neck. Over the next day, the bull twitched and suffered, slowly bleeding out just an hour or so before I arrived. Never witnessing nature work its magic before on this scale, I wanted to observe first hand what takes place in the animal kingdom. With a 100-400mm lens, I could take photos worth sharing, but nothing tack sharp and worth writing home about. Regardless, I was there for the experience. Over the next 30 hours of daylight, over 3 days, I arrived at first light and documented what happened with a small group of photographers before word eventually made its way around the park a wolf had arrived, and the area turned into Woodstock. Last night, I eventually left when 2-300 people were present. No animals have returned since, as of this writing. 

The 3 days were a song and dance of nature. A singular coyote who later returned with a partner to watch guard as they took turns snacking. The ravens who courted and seemingly danced on the bison. A wolf, who chased the coyotes off to claim the carcass for the night, and even a bald eagle who decided to get a quick snack in before taking off. It was intriguing to witness nature at work and the chain in which the animal world works. 

There is so much I could write. A play by play of the days, between hours of waiting, but I will save you the 20-page essay. I watched a coyote eat the penis out of the bison, and ravens peck out eyeballs. That about sums up nature. Edger Allen Poe would be proud.

Here are a few moments to share, with descriptions, to help put the experience into form:

DAY 1:

The first coyote arrives. Cautious of being kicked and possibly killed by the bison, it circles around the animal a few times before nipping at its rear, then its face to ensure it was deceased.) 

The wolf dives into the back area of the bison, occasionally scanning the area in fear. He or she is alone and has just stumbled across one easy meal.

After about 20 minutes of tugging and tearing, the coyote finally broke through flesh. It then spent the next 30 minutes or so lunching on the spinal area of the beast, periodically vanishing in the trees to scan its surroundings. Afterward, the coyote slides its face across the grass to wipe fresh blood off its muzzle. From there it took off into the treeline with a noticeably full belly. It would return 2 more times before nightfall to take small snacks.)

DAY 2:

A raven eats the eyeball out of the bison. Over the course of the day, a group of 5 ravens would periodically return when no predators were present, eventually being chased off by a coyote who would jump and nip at them. It was apparent the coyotes did not want to share their meal)

At first light, as the bison is still frosted over from the previous night's chill, a second coyote has joined the first. They spend much of the morning taking turns eating at the animal. One would disappear into the forest to keep watch as the other eats. When the feeding coyote had its fill, it would disappear into the trees. Then, a few minutes later the other coyote would take its place. There would be large gaps of time when both were gone for a while as well. This took place most of the day on Day 2.

On occasion, both coyotes would appear for a very brief amount of time to inspect the meal before one would return to the staging point in the treeline)

One coyote keeps close watch in the shallow treeline as the other eats. This pattern continues most of the day)

As night begins to approach, a wolf is spotted about a quarter mile down to the left, on our side of the river. She swims across the river and into the treeline. She then emerges on the hill to the left of the bison, stalking the coyote that is unaware)

As the wolf inches its way closer, the coyote eventually gets a whiff or indicator it is in danger. It ducks down behind the belly of the bison before darting off, chased by the wolf at half speed. Just enough to scare the coyote off.

The wolf spends the remainder of daylight feasting on the bison before night falls, disappearing into the woods. 

DAY 3:

A bald eagle stops by for a light snack before taking back off down the river. 

Day 3 was a bust. For the most part, the entire park had heard what was happening on the Madison River by this point. The viewing area was packed all day with people stopping for a few minutes, upset their 10 minutes of waiting for action didn't result in a grizzly feeding. By 5 pm, I was having anxiety by the number of people and left before golden hour. I swung back by this morning to learn if anything had taken place while I was gone. Nothing happened. By this point, the sheer amount of people had scared all predators away. Although I'm sure a bear wouldn't care in the least.

I learned a lot about patience during this and hope you enjoyed following along!

-RV