- Are there any wild buffalo roaming in Tenaja?
Buffalo were running wild in the south Tenaja area near Camp Pendleton. Fish and Game people
say they rounded them up about 15 years ago, but apparently they didn't get them all, because
there are occasional sightings.
- What's the largest herd that Buffalo Ranch has had?
Fourteen
- What's the wildest thing to happen at the Buffalo Ranch?
A ranch hand left a gate open and they decided to check out the neighborhood. They ran around
the hills, ate the neighbor's flowers and camped out overnight - they came home for Breakfast,
which we towed behind the tractor - a bale of alfalfa hay!
- How many bison live in the wild?
Yellowstone has the largest roaming herd - about 3,000.
- What is the spiritual relationship between the bison and the American Indian culture?
Native Americans periodically come to the Ranch to pray. Tatonka (Buffalo) have been their
clothing, shelter and food. It's a very interesting relationship. They always come at dawn. After
a few chants the Buffalo run in a circle. There definitely is a spiritual
power!
- What is the difference between a bison and a buffalo?
The common name is Buffalo. Bison is supposedly the Latin name. There is no difference.
- How much do bison weigh?
Mature Bulls weigh 2,000 pounds and upwards to 2,400. Cows usually are half that weight.
- How fast can bison run?
Faster than you can - About 30 mph.
- What do bison eat?
People who climb the fence - No - they love almost all grasses. But - don't climb the fence!
- What is the approximate birth weight of a bison calf?
About 25 - 30 pounds
- What is the gestation period for a female bison?
9 ½ months. Twins are uncommon.
- How many calves will a bison have in her lifetime?
When females are two they're planning a family and will usually have a calf by age
three. They may have twenty calves in a lifetime.
- How long does it take a bison calf to become an adult?
Calves are weaned at six months at which time, they are about 350 - 425 pounds.
- What is the average life span of a bison?
About 20 - 25 years.
- Are Buffalo gentle or aggressive?
They're like cowboys, some are gentle and some are mean SOB's.
- Can you tame bison?
No, they are wild animals; don't trust them!
- Do all bison have horns?
Yes and they are "lightning quick."
- Can you wear bison clothing?
Yes - the owner of this Ranch wore a Buffalo coat when he was a "Mountie."
