Here's how it works:
* Continuous Molting: Bison have a continuous molt, meaning their hair falls out gradually throughout the year. They don't experience a dramatic shedding period like dogs or cats.
* Seasonal Variations: The rate of molting does vary slightly with the seasons. They tend to molt more heavily during the spring and summer as they shed their thick winter coat.
* Hair Growth: Bison have a long, coarse outer coat and a shorter, dense undercoat. The undercoat provides insulation in the winter, and the outer coat protects against the elements and helps regulate body temperature. Both layers are shed and regrown continuously.
So, while bison don't have a distinct molt "season," they do shed their hair throughout the year, replacing it with new growth. This continuous molting helps them adapt to changing weather conditions and maintain their health.