Study: Yellowstone bison mow, fertilize their own grass
By Associated Press
Published: November 21, 2019, 4:30pm
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FILE - In this Oct. 5, 1994, file photo, two bison graze in a meadow in Yellowstone National Park, Wyo. New research shows when bison heavily graze an area, the grass greens up earlier and faster and stays green for a much longer period of time. Researchers with the park and area universities say the bison are able to graze in one area for two to three months rather than having to move to higher elevations to follow new plant growth. Sensors on NASA satellites are able to observe the grassland dynamics. (AP Photo/Dave Zalubowski, File)
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — A study of grazing in Yellowstone National Park found that bison essentially mow and fertilize their own food. This allows them to graze in one area for two to three months during the spring and summer while other hoofed mammals must keep migrating to higher elevations to follow new plant growth.
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