The bison or “Yanasi” in Cherokee, has been around for thousands of years. Nearly hunted to extinction they have made a comeback in North America and Canada. Majority of the bison were hunted by the Plains Tribes but the Cherokees did hunt woodland bison (which were larger that the plains bison) from time to time. The bison stands for freedom, protection, strength, gentleness, forever changes and stubbornness.
This is my story of being so blessed, having a spiritual encounter with a bison herds majestic patriarch while hiking in the backcountry of Yellowstone during the fall of ’14. Rising early to the sounds of elk and ravens in the distance my wife and I began our day long journey of the Specimen Ridge Trail in Lamar Valley region. I had wished to include a spur trail off of the Specimen Ridge hike so we began our trek not from the “normal’ trailhead of Specimen Ridge but of another trail close by.
The day began wonderful with sightings of pronghorn antelope both distant and close. Coyote hunting through the sage prairie, hawks flying overhead and occasional bison walking their trails that they have traveled upon for hundreds of years. Veering off the main trail for a few miles we came across a large outcropping of a petrified forest and then later in the distance, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. After enjoying a quick break and snack we proceeded to connect back up with the Specimen Ridge Trail. Hiking over rolling hills and valleys which were speckled with fallen elk racks and animal bones , coming across a small lake with sporadic outcroppings of trees we were amazed as to what God had laid in front of us.
Midday as the sun began to fall to the west to our left we came upon a large mound of earth the size of a football field. Hiking closer we noticed a bit of dust coming over the edge of the hill as well we noticed grunting, snorting and soon thereafter hoof stomps and scraping. Being that I had not encountered grizzly in this particular open area of Lamar Valley in the past I figured that we might be coming upon a small herd of bison. Oh how true this was! We proceeded on nearing the mound and soon getting a visual of what we were about to encounter. My calculations of a small herd was grossly incorrect. Hiking ever so cautiously we spotted more dust, more hoof stomping and then a very large and wonderfully ordained bull coming out of the dust cloud. As we stood for a moment in awe the dust settled a bit and I realized the small band of bison I thought to be actually numbered around fifty to sixty! What an amazing sight and so close!
One is always taught to give the bison a “wide berth” if possible no matter where you are hiking so we slowly altered our route away and around their bedding down location. As we headed around the herd, the leader slowly walked over our way as to impede our travel onward. Once again we attempted to hike away from his presence as I was persistent in moving on with our travels. The bull on the other hand was just as determined to not let us pass. Attempting to do so a couple more times we both began getting frustrated with one another and this 2000 pound creature began to head our way at a quick rate of speed. Realizing his persistency in not letting us pass we turned about face and began to walk, then jog back the way we had traveled. The bull followed us for about half a mile at a brisk rate and we were both getting quite concerned as there was no place to go and get away! No trees to climb, no rivers to cross etc. Looking back I noticed he finally dropped off the pace and then halted. We too stopped to catch our breath but then only to notice him once again heading our way. Another half mile covered we were fortunate enough to find and climb upon a very large rock. There was a standoff that seemed like an eternity but after a half hour or so this brute turned around and headed back to his herd. We waited several minutes then proceeded to climb down from the boulder and head back to the Specimen Ridge original trail head. Cautiously looking over our shoulder for the next five miles we were stunned by what had just occurred! We both were in amazement and in wonder of why he did what he did, until we reached the beginning of the trailhead and the posted signs.
Turning to the main trailhead signs of Specimen Ridge we saw that the rangers had posted several signs of trail closer due to prairie fires several miles in! Fires that one could not outrun of course. Being that we had not left from the main trailhead and from another, then connecting back up with the Specimen Ridge trail further on things began to make sense. The leader of the herd was not attempting to hurt us or run us down, he was not keeping us from his territory. This saint had kept us from hiking directly into a potentially fatal fire! He was doing everything in his power to get us to turn around and not proceed. I was so humbled and thankful by his actions it still gives me goose bumps thinking about it. I learned much from this encounter as we must all watch out for one another, man and beast. Although we can all be stubborn in life, change and redirection can be good when accepted. Stay calm through our walk and accept the Fathers grace…………………….
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