Though nature can be and often is brutal, this video of what looks to be a herd of bison having a funeral for a fallen herd member goes to show that it’s a very beautiful place too.
Often times with nature videos, we see the battle for survival, or a predator taking down prey. If you think about it, we never really see the aftermath of these types of events. The footage below shows that there are major life implications following death in the animal kingdom, just like there are when humans lose a loved one.
Bison are the type of animals that prefer to live in groups, and often use their “strength in numbers” mentality to fend off attackers. However, tragedy often strikes herds, like this one Yellowstone National Park. Evidently, there wasn’t much the bison could do to prevent the death of one of their herd mates.
But there was something they were honored to do after its passing.
On numerous occasions, bison herds have been known to mourn the death of their close friends and family. They’ll circle around the fallen herd mate for hours after they die, and they appear to express grief as they protect the body. It makes for what’s effectively called a “bison funeral,” and as I said, it’s something that the large beasts seem to instinctively do.
It’s one of those things that can’t exactly be scientifically explained. Bison behavior hasn’t been studied enough to know if they are really putting on a funeral and honoring the dead with these actions and gestures. However, anytime a herd does suffer a loss, a gathering does tend to develop around the carcass… and leads many to believe that the bison are mourning the death.
Many relate the process to that of elephants – another large, land-roaming mammal. They are known to make distinct noises following the passing of another elephant, and even have been observed touching carcasses and attempting to lift them back up, among other mourning behaviors.
Try watching this video below and telling me that the bison aren’t doing the exact same thing for their fallen herd mate. Wildlife photographer T. Lyn Nuefeld captured this video in Yellowstone National Park earlier this morning, and went ahead and categorized it as a bison funeral:
“Bison surrounding a fallen comrade this morning… we often call this a bison funeral, whether this is paying respect, curiosity or both, it’s still poignant.”
It certainly seems like the bison are showing respect for the dead before they have to ultimately move on to another location and let nature take its course.
Pretty moving though, right? The comment section certainly thought so, and left behind replies like these admiring the bison for appearing to mourn the loss of their friend:
“I think it’s an amazing sight to watch these animals all gather round to pay their respects.”
“They grieve like people do.”
“Elephants do the same… they mourn the death of a herd member.”
“So touching!”
“This always fascinates me to watch. Nature is amazing.”
