Wildlife photography is a passion of mine. On a trip to Antelope Island State Park in Utah, I photographed a bison calf. Antelope Island is a beautiful location with an abundance of wildlife. Bison can often be seen roaming around the area.
A Herd on the Move
As I drove through the park, I spotted a large group of bison. They were making their way down from the mountains toward the Great Salt Lake. I parked my truck and waited for the herd to cross the road in front of me.
Several of the bison had calves with them. One calf caught my eye. It had fluffy fur and a curious expression. I knew I had to photograph it.
I rested my camera and lens on a beanbag draped over the open window of my truck. The calf seemed unbothered by my presence. It kept exploring the area around my truck. That gave me plenty of chances to capture its every move.
About Bison Calves
Bison calves make interesting subjects. They are born with a reddish-orange coat. The coat gradually turns brown as they mature. They are also born with a set of tiny, curved horns called “buttons.” Those buttons will grow into the massive horns that adult bison are known for.
Protecting Bison
As I watched the calf and its mother, I thought about how much these animals need protection. Bison were once hunted to near extinction. Their numbers have recovered in recent years. They still face many threats, including habitat loss and hunting.
Photographing this calf at Antelope Island was an unforgettable experience. I have photographed bison on the island before. Bison Walking the Great Salt Lake Bed at Antelope Island shows the herd out in the open, and Baby Bison Resting is a quieter calf moment. I hope photos like these help raise awareness. These animals are worth protecting for generations to come.