Natural Shelter:
* Trees: During harsh weather, they may seek shelter in dense stands of trees, especially in areas with forests or woodlands.
* Ravines: They can also use ravines and gullies for protection from wind and snow.
* Thick Vegetation: Bison may find cover in thick brush, grasses, and other vegetation, especially during storms.
* Rocky Outcrops: Rocky areas can offer some shelter, particularly during periods of heavy rain or snowfall.
Behavioral Shelter:
* Huddling: During extreme cold, bison will huddle together in groups, using their collective body heat to stay warm.
* Using the Landscape: They may use the natural landscape to their advantage, positioning themselves on the leeward side of hills to avoid strong winds.
Other Factors:
* Time of Year: During the summer months, bison have less need for shelter, but they will still seek out shaded areas during the hottest parts of the day.
* Weather: When storms approach, bison will often seek shelter, sometimes even changing their migration patterns to avoid severe weather conditions.
* Predators: While bison are large and powerful animals, they can still be vulnerable to predators. They may seek shelter in areas where they feel safe from wolves, bears, or other dangers.
Overall, bison are resourceful animals that find shelter in a variety of ways, adapting to the changing environment around them.