Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Master of the Herd

It was early morning, and the presiding bull was moving his herd from a hilltop where they had spent the night, to a spot alongside Yellowstone’s one of many thermal pools. It was a fascinating thing to watch, as he waited for each of his charges to move single-file downhill while he took up the rear behind the matriarch. When the herd of maybe 15 members got to the thermal pool, they huddled in the steam for a few minutes, warming themselves before moving across the plains in search of better grazing. One couldn’t help but be inspired by the exhilaration of this exclusively American experience. That the American Bison has survived from prehistoric times to today, in my opinion , is cause to re-issue their likeness on a new dollar coin.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 02.0023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Near Jackson, Wy, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS R5
Copyright: © Carla DeDominicis