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3 Bison on the Loose from Connecticut Ranch – Found

wood bison
Laura Whitehouse, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In the heart of Guilford, three elusive bison broke free from their ranch, wandering the streets and slipping into the shadows of the woods. These majestic creatures, powerful and unpredictable, are a mystery to all who catch a glimpse and the term “buffalo” tend to confuse some. Their origins are tied to ancient traditions and a history nearly lost. The town is on alert, but the bison remain at large, leaving behind only whispers of their presence and the faint marks of their heavy footsteps.

3 Bison on the Loose

Three bison from 3B Ranch made an unexpected escape in Guilford. One of these large animals was seen strolling along Long Hill Road on Sunday. The police shared that this sighting was almost surreal, with the bison disappearing into the woods before it could be caught.

Police in Action in Guilford

Local police quickly got involved, asking residents to stay vigilant and report any sightings. Officers mentioned the bison could be “feisty,” advising people not to approach them. The situation was shared on the Guilford Police Department’s Facebook page, emphasizing the need for caution.

Two bison standing in a grassy field
American Bison and calf with a background of rich autumn colours, in Yellowstone NP. Image via Arturo de Frias Marques, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Later that morning, the 3B Ranch team took to the trails to track down the missing bison. The police continued to monitor the situation in the hope to find the Bison and secure them safely.

Another Sighting in North Guilford

By Monday morning, one of the missing bison was spotted in North Guilford! Details about the escape were still unclear which left the community quarreling.

The search resulted in the two other bison being found – and they had made a friend! A little baby bison had accompanied the missing bison and the 3B Ranch team were happy to welcome it!

Unique Activities and Habits

bison
Side profile close up of an American bison, also known as buffalo, with its tongue sticking out in Yellowstone National Park. Image by ruhuntn@hotmail.com via Depositphotos

Bison engage in activities like rubbing, rolling, and wallowing, which creates saucer-like depressions in the ground called wallows. These wallows used to be common across the plains, often becoming dust bowls without vegetation. Their sounds range from pig-like grunts to aggressive bellows, adding to their unique behavior.

Safety Around Bison

It’s crucial to stay at least 25 yards away from bison, especially if they are near a trail or developed area. If you encounter a bison, turn around and avoid getting too close. Bison may respond to threats with behaviors like tail-raising, bluff charging, and bellowing, all of which indicate you should leave the area immediately.

Cultural Significance

Spirit Animal-Bison
Bison. Image created by Andrew via DALL-E

Wind Cave holds a special place in Lakota tradition, where they believe that the first humans and bison originated from the cave. This connection underscores the deep relationship between the natives and bison and their cultural significance continues to be honored by the Lakota people today.

Community Involvement

Residents were encouraged to keep an eye out for the bison but not to approach them. Instead, they should contact the Guilford police at (203) 453-8061 if they see anything unusual. The community’s cooperation was vital in ensuring the safe return of the bison.

Conservation Efforts

Small herd of the American bisons in the spring steppe covered by grass in the nature reserve against the background of the sky with clouds

By the late 1800s, the bison population in the United States had dwindled to near extinction. Only 14 bison were saved due to the efforts of conservationists. The bison are the ancestors of Wind Cave’s current herd, and 14 of them were sent from the New York Zoological Gardens to Wind Cave in 1913.

Bison or Buffalo?

In North America, “bison” and “buffalo” both refer to the American bison of which “buffalo” is used more informally. The term “buffalo” likely originated from the French word for beef, “boeuf.” In Lakota culture, bison are known as “tatanka,” the word reflects their importance to the Lakota people, who were traditionally nomadic and followed the bison across the plains.

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