Bison were commonly seen in herds in plains and river valleys where they are naturally found. However, due to anthropogenic activities, some species such as the American bison are now deemed as near threatened.
As such, they now exist in protected parks and reserves to conserve their population. In these places, such as Yellowstone Park, it is not unlikely that a grizzly bear and a bison would spontaneously meet as bears are intentionally put in protected parks to control the population of other invasive predators.
From time to time, a grizzly bear and a bison would clash and battle, but more often than not, the grizzly would just fight a young bison. It goes without saying that the bear would prevail in such a scenario.
Accordingly, a full-grown bison that has attained its maximum growth potential and a full-grown grizzly bear that has also reached its maximum potential should be put head-to-head in order to determine which animal is actually stronger.
Although this fight would not be impossible to occur as both animals can be found in the same habitat, the possibility of this happening is still low because grizzly bears do not normally hunt bison and bison do not mind other animals as long as they do not feel threatened.
Nonetheless, both animals should not be taken lightly as they can be dangerous when provoked. Now the question is if the two were in a fight would the grizzly bear win? Or will the bison be able to defend its ground?
Characteristics of a grizzly bear compared to a bison
These two animals have several differences specifically in their physical attributes. Due to their propensity for aggression and great strength, they are among the most feared species in the animal kingdom. They have a history of attacking people and inflicting severe injuries which sometimes lead to death.
A bison, being an herbivore, is not usually seen to attack other animals but when provoked they do not back down even in the face of a voracious predator such as the grizzly bear.
Grizzly bears can stand up to nine feet tall while on their hind legs, but they can only stand three to five feet tall when using all of their legs. The weight of a male grizzly bear, which is almost twice that of a female, can reach 860 pounds.
Their top speed is roughly 35 miles per hour. Grizzly bears are top predators and frequently consume less aggressive creatures like elk calves. They also consume plants, fish, and animal carcasses. Grizzlies are thought to be loners who prefer to hunt and live alone.
As a result, they perceive animals entering their territory as a threat and react violently. In addition to having razor-sharp teeth, grizzlies also have extremely sharp claws that are about 3 inches. With these, they are capable of easily tearing through the flesh of their foes.
In addition, grizzly bears’ flesh is difficult to pierce and rip because of its developed panniculus carnosus in their skin which causes the skin to be loose.
In comparison, bison can grow to be enormous, standing up to six and a half feet tall despite the fact that they are unable to stand on their hind legs alone. They can weigh up to 2400 pounds which is roughly thrice the maximum weight of a fully grown grizzly bear.
Their head is massive and is equipped with two sharp 24-inch horns that can easily pierce through an animal’s flesh. They run up to 40 miles an hour and use their enormous heads to charge their opponents. This is their primary method of defense, and it occasionally results in fatalities. It typically sends the enemy away from them by a few meters.
How would a fight between a grizzly bear and a bison go?
Based on their physical characteristics there can be no clear winner between the two animals. This is because they have different ways of fighting using their respective attributes.
In the case of the bison, it has 24-inch horns that could cause severe injuries to the bear. With the bison’s weight and speed, aggressively charging the bear can easily overpower the bear making it fall down with an ailing stab from its horns.
However, the bear cannot be defeated just like that. After falling down, it can still summon enough strength to pull itself up from the ground. At this point, its chance of beating the bison will be dependent on its ability to sink its teeth in the bison’s neck. If the bear manages not to let go of its bite, it can go for another attack using its 3-inch claws.
This will not be easy for the bear since the bison is thrice its size. However, because the neck is fatal, the bison may have lost a lot of blood by then causing it to be weaker as the struggle goes on. After a few more struggles and tries from the bison to get off the bear’s champ, the bison will eventually grow tired and succumb to its injuries.
Nonetheless, it should be acknowledged that either the bison or the grizzly bear can win depending on the circumstances. In the case of the bison, the only chance of winning this fight is if it was able to charge the bear to a fatal area or if it managed to get off the bear’s bite.
Why would the grizzly bear win?
Although the bison will not be effortlessly defeated, it is highly likely that the bear will still be the victor in this face-off. This is because they are natural predators and have a strong instinct to kill, making them very skilled fighters.
The bison can put up a really good fight with its speed and power making it hard for the bear. However, because the bison is not permitted to move more freely due to its weight and the structure of its body, the bear got the upper hand as it can easily stand over the bison and aim for its neck.