Animal
European bison
This forest herbivore feeds in clearings and meadows and lives in family herds.
Idioma del contenido
European bison are associated with forests, but often venture onto meadows and clearings to feed. They eat grasses, herbs and sedges, as well as leaves, shoots and the bark of trees and shrubs. Mixed forest with wet clearings combines tree cover with open feeding space.
The species also lives in Poland. Its strongholds include the Białowieża, Borecka and Knyszyńska forests and the Bieszczady Mountains. Family groups consist of females, calves and juveniles. A young male leaves such a group at around three years of age and may join other males. Herd composition therefore changes as the animals grow older.
During the breeding season, bulls accompany cows and make distinctive grunting calls. Pregnancy lasts nearly nine months. Before giving birth, a female moves away from the group and calves in seclusion. Only later does the youngster become part of the family herd.
A dense coat helps bison through the cold months. As the weather warms, they moult and change into a summer coat. Their fur in spring may therefore look different from the thick winter covering. This change follows the seasons, just as their breeding cycle does.
Para niños
A European bison lives in the forest but often feeds in a meadow or clearing. It eats grasses, herbs, leaves, young shoots and bark. In Poland it lives in places including Białowieża Forest and the Bieszczady Mountains.
A family group includes females, calves and older youngsters. At around three years of age, males leave this family and may keep company with other males. Before a calf is born, its mother leaves the herd for a quiet place.
A thick coat protects bison in winter. When warm weather comes, they replace it with a lighter one. This is called moulting. The same bison can therefore look different at different times of year. Daily life combines resting in the forest with feeding in open areas.
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