At Yellowstone / Buffalo Paying Tribute Over Their Loss.

Antonio Sanchez shared Tracie Jenkins's photo

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· Bozeman, MT

· Today I witnessed a most extraordinary event in Yellowstone. A bison cow had earlier been killed by wolves. Just as we were driving past the carcass, 12 huge bulls began to surround her and pay homage. They grunted, pawed the ground and were visibly upset. Most faced towards her with heads bowed low. One male continuously licked her lifeless body. This circle of grief went on for half an hour. They mourned her death. Then, one by one, each slipped away. A professional photographer near us explained only few animal groups pay tribute to their dead in this way. One other is elephants. We all sat in silence and watched. It was a sacred, moving, somber and beautiful moment.