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Discussion » Questions » Animals (Wild) » How does a herd of bison decide what direction the herd should go?
Marguerite, the Beloved

How does a herd of bison decide what direction the herd should go?

They have a leader. Do he know what direction to go? Do they vote?

Posted - November 6, 2016
Tag : #Buffalo

Responses


  • Trump.
      November 6, 2016 11:11 AM MST
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  • 6988
    Well, after sniffing the leader's butt, they head in the direction that offers the best grass. 
      November 6, 2016 2:28 PM MST
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  • 1523
    They follow their leader.  He decides which way they will go.
      November 6, 2016 4:31 PM MST
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  • 314
    SHE leads the herd...bulls take the rear to protect the herd.  Females lead.
      November 11, 2016 11:19 AM MST
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  • 1523
    Wow!  I didn't know that.  That's interesting.  Thanks for the info.
      November 11, 2016 12:11 PM MST
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  • 5354
    They "follow the Leader" who just goes in some direction.

    Actually such herd animals usually have a hierachy of many 'leaders'. You can see it in films of a moving herd, every now and the a group of animals separate from the herd and go their own way for a while, then the go back into the herd because their sub-leader leads them there.
      November 12, 2016 4:54 PM MST
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  • The leaders of herbivores are the oldest matriarchs. They know where the best grazing and water is in each season and during droughts and floods. They know the entire terrain;  the best places of shelter from the elements and the best routes of escape from predators.
    The males do not lead: young males have no special role; the sire defends against adult bachelor males attempting to usurp their position, and will also often chase off and/or fight predators, especially single ones. This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at December 5, 2016 10:24 AM MST
      November 15, 2016 4:05 PM MST
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