Early Yellowstone bison calf encounter exciting, but also concerning

A guide in Yellowstone National Park has captured rare footage showing a baby bison wandering with its momma and herd on a wintry day in late March.

It’s a sure sign that spring has arrived, and the footage is rare because bison calves typically are not born until late April or May.

“The first bison calf of the year in Yellowstone!” Andrea Baratte of Montana Wild boasted Sunday via Instagram. “It was very snowy today, and we had a hard time finding bears and wolves, but were rewarded with the first bison calf of the season. I have never seen one this early before.”

Sadly, the timing of the birth is not ideal for the newborn bison.

Baratte continued: “Bison born this early have a lower chance of survival, but I will keep my eyes open for him, hoping he will grow up and roam the plains as an adult.”

Baby bison are often referred to as "red dogs" because of the orange or reddish color of their coats. The coats slowly turn brown as young bison age.

I captured the accompanying image of a red-dog bison on a brilliant spring day last May 29. Its coat provides a stark contrast to spring grasses and wildflowers.