A Texas Longhorn at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma
A Texas Longhorn Throwing Dirt on Its Back
Another Texas Longhorn at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma
I thought these two Texas Longhorn bulls were going to battle it out but they didn’t. The second photos shows the bull throwing dirt on its back.
Longhorn cattle were placed on the Refuge in 1927 by an act of the 69th Congress of the United States.
The Refuge longhorn herd presently numbers approximately 280 animals. They have been rigorously visually culled for type and influence of other breeds for over 75 years. In 1991, the entire herd was blood typed for purity and any individuals showing impurities of other breeds were sold at auction. Only two animals tested positive for influence of other breeds of cattle. In addition to the 30 founding animals in 1927, 100 Longhorns (46 bulls and 54 cows) have been brought into the herd to increase genetic diversity and maintain traditional type. At this point in time, the Refuge longhorn herd is as pure and true to original type as is humanly possible to achieve. For the first time since their arrival, we are now able to safely maintain the herd under as natural conditions as is possible without sacrificing diversity or type. The time finally arrived when the intensive management practices were removed and the Longhorns were allowed to propagate naturally with as little human interference as is necessary to accomplish the mission and objectives of the Refuge.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Deer
Wichita Mountains Prairie Dogs
Prairie Dog Family
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Doris Campground
6 Comments
I thought you where about to be charged/challenged…. glad he was going to the other bull… I’d be afraid of these big boys. Great shot.
I was behind a rail fence but I doubt it would have stopped this big bull.
Awesome photographs of some amazing creatures! Love the photo of the longhorn throwing dirt on its back. Very cool!
Thank you Julie!
I think it is “not normal” for a TL to be red and white. It would be interesting to know about the hybridazation of these critters.
GREAT shots, Steve! Love that drama! These animals are absolutely magnificent aren’t they.