Yellowstone's Bear-Bison Conflict Recorded

A grizzly bear taking on a bison in Yellowstone National Park.

The Yellowstone National Park conjures up an image of a quintessential American wilderness and a home to a wide variety of animals unique to America's wild side. Among the animals making their home in this rugged, untamed landscape are the two most powerful giants: the bison and the grizzly bear. Each one epitomizes the spirit of America's natural heritage. The bison provides food for the park's wolf population, while the bear keeps the plant and small animal populations in check. When it comes to feeding on larger animals like bison, the bear limits itself to scavenging carcasses of such animals. However, on rare occasions, it may choose to target a live one. This was a recent case when a grizzly bear was captured on video attempting to bring down a young, yet well-grown bison near a parking lot on the east side of the Firehole River in the Midway Geyser Basin. Initially, the bison stood its ground and charged towards the bear forcing it to retreat. But then, the bear turned towards its opponent after retreating less than ten yards. Eventually, it grabbed the bison from behind and held on its prey while biting down on its spine just above the hindquarters in an attempt to bring it down and kill it. At the same time, the bear was shaking its head back and forth as the bison slowly wandered past a row of parked cars. The two animals then advanced onto a paved trail leading to a bridge over the Firehole River. After crossing the bridge, they waded into the river and went downstream until the bison succumbed to the bear's strength and power as the two animals came close to the riverbank. The bear then temporarily left the bison to look around before returning to its prey and tear at its flesh.

The two animals are now on the bridge over the Firehole River.

I find it really extraordinary and awe-inspiring that such a rarely-seen dramatic event unfolded in Yellowstone National Park. Usually when a grizzly bear and a bison come into conflict with one another, the bison stands its ground and the bear backs away without a fight. But sometimes, tables get turned. And that is exactly what happened here. Rather than turn tail after a brief retreat, this bear stood its ground and attacked its adversary and would-be prey. According to Yellowstone bear biologist Kerry Gunther, the park's staff does not see bears kill bison very often but it probably happens more often than known. However, such encounters are normally not noticeable. After letting the grizzly bear feast on its prey, the park staff moved the carcass to a dump site in order to keep both predators and people safe from each other. I find that this footage gives an explicit picture of just how powerful grizzly bears in Yellowstone are. Mr. Gunther once saw a large male grizzly kill an adult bison cow and also bison carcasses with bite marks along the spine. He even one time saw a bear chase off a pack of wolves trying to kill a bison before ultimately finishing the animal itself. This goes to show that Yellowstone's grizzly bears are on the top of the food chain and are always on the look out for an opportunity when it comes to finding food. Even if it means going after a full-grown bison!

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