Defecation interruptus.
Yesterday on Antelope Island I was having trouble with soft photos all morning, so some of these shots aren’t as sharp as they should be. I’m just hoping it was caused by atmospheric conditions (heat waves) rather than an issue with my camera or lens.
Toward the end of my time on the island I watched as a long column of bison began to cross the dirt road in front of me and file through an opening in a fence on their way to their destination, wherever it might have been. For a very long time the entire large herd was calm and tranquil.
This one paused to take a dump, a long one so I got quite a few shots as it was taking care of business.
I’m going to call this bison “#2”. It might make more sense to call it #1 but when you think about it, how could I call it anything but #2?
Suddenly, for no apparent reason, another bison charged #2 from behind. The attack was mid-dump so it would have been a sphincter-constricting event. I’m going to call the charging bison #1.
It was a completely unexpected blindside attack, which startled #2.
At first I believe #2 thought #1 might pass right on by so…
#2 looked forward again. Mistake. At the last second #1 turned sharply to its left and…
slammed into #2. Even though #1 was smaller, the impact…
almost knocked #2 over, which is most evident toward its…
rear end.
Suddenly another bison, #3, joined in the fight as #2 nearly goes ass over teakettle from the impact.
At first I thought #3 was joining #1 in the attack on #2, but I was wrong.
Instead, #3 collided with…
#1.
It was at that point that I made an unfortunate decision.
In all the excitement with everything happening so fast, I chose to follow #2 with my lens as that bison ran away from its fighting companions.
So I got butt shots of #2 as it escaped the brouhaha, as #1 and #2 continued to duke it out – mostly out of frame. By the time I got my lens back on #1 and #3, the fight was mostly over.
I still don’t know what caused the dustup, but it sure was exciting while it lasted.
Ron
From the lack of hump hair, maybe these are juveniles just horsing (grin) around?
Could be, Arwen.
WOW! Of course, consentrating on #2 you had no opportunity to observe any body language of #’s 1 and 3 which may or may not have told you anything anyway! 😉 From the sounds of it the bulls must have “grouped” a bit in the line. Of course, calving time isn’t that far away which might enter into it. Amazing captures well worth the “wait”.
Thanks Judy. I saw no body language, or anything else, that might have signaled a fight coming up. They just exploded with no warning.
Hey what a exciting event happened when doing what comes natural in every day life of animals.
Trudy, I don’t know about bison, but personally I prefer no excitement at all while doing my business…
That is dirty pool of the highest order! Poor #2 — just minding his own business — while doing his business. #3 must be his BBBFF (Best Bison Bathroom Friend Forever) who stepped in to remove the distracting influence of #1. So glad you were in the right place at the right time! 🙂
” just minding his own business — while doing his business”
Wish I’d thought of that, Marty.
How about ‘best bison bathroom bosom buddy forever’?
I was in the right place at the right time several times that morning. I’ll probably be posting more photos soon verifying that.
Ooh! Can’t wait! 😃
❗️❗️ Bad Bully Bull Bison ❗️❗️
🙂
Now that’s a nice sequence to share with my Mammalogy class next spring. Thanks Ron.
p.s., you could say the shit hit the fan a few times in that great sequence.
*As usual I credit you if I use any of your photos in class, per the permission you granted me a few years ago. I sometimes use the pronghorn-coyote sequence of a few years ago for example. Thanks for that one too.
“you could say the shit hit the fan a few times in that great sequence”
I considered it, Patrick. Maybe I should have.
Good. I’m glad my photos are still educating students. And you’re welcome.
Thanks Ron.
watched a couple of my neighbor’s bull go at it, amazing amount of power. I was worried they would come through the fence.
I’ve seen bulls (cattle) fighting too, Jo. Very impressive.
Great capture. The change of expression (determined almost entirely by the eyes) of #2 from the first (morning serenity) to the second (surprise and disbelief) photo is a bit comical.
At the risk of anthropomorphizing, it has the appearance of a opportunistic collegiate-like hazing, with #3 coming in with a ‘not cool bro’.
Thanks, Michael.
Wow, what an exciting event. And yes you had to name the original #1 #2 while he was taking a #2 dump. I would give the new #1 a 15 yard penalty for charging into a guy while he is taking a dump. A definite no no even for Bison. Fun series.
I thought you would at least Photoshop a bird onto the back of one of them to make the scene a legitimate “Feathered” Photography
moment. 🙂 🙂
Thanks, Everett. I didn’t see any birds perching on bison all morning, which is kind of unusual.
Great series and funny title!
Thanks on both counts, Brett.
What a bizarre capture ! Maybe bison #2 was using an “area”
deemed “inappropriate” for his kind…… humans have been
scrapping a lot lately on that issue; I hope that animals aren’t
going to be following suit ……
Kris, it makes you wonder what could have caused such a fracas, doesn’t it. I have no clue.
You had me LOL with the title and on the edge of my seat with your story telling. Brilliant!
Good! Thanks, Kellie.