A wildlife photographer has shared footage from Montana showing a young bison reacting to frigid temperatures and the season's first snowstorm.
Michael Hodges, who is from Missoula and spends lots of time in Yellowstone National Park, stated via Facebook that while the bison appears to be exhibiting "pure joy," the snow dance signifies much more.
Hodges explained: "For a young bison experiencing cold powder for the first time, it triggers a surge of physical energy. This play behavior serves as critical physical conditioning, building muscle density, agility, and stamina right when the herd needs to transition into winter survival mode."
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Hodges, a novelist, elaborated: "There
is a historic weight to seeing a young bison celebrate snow in the Northern Rockies. Over a century ago, when the last wild bison herds were hunted to the brink of extinction across North America, moments like this nearly vanished from the continent forever." (Click here if reel does not appear below.)
Hodges continued: "Today, seeing them play in the snow is a powerful testament to the resilience of a species that survived against all odds. That wild energy is a direct connection to the ancient herds that once owned these valleys, proving that the spirit of the American bison remains as wild and unyielding as ever.”
On Threads, Hodges’ video description was less reflective: "A young bison jumps for joy at the first snow of the season. Montana."
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Young bison 'jumps for joy' as early snow falls in Montana
