WALLOWING IN IT!

A week or so ago, my husband took our oldest grandson on a little trek across a prairie pasture close to us.

The purpose of this nature walk was to investigate some Buffalo wallows that are nearby.

Of course you have to know what you’re looking for, but once you find them, it’s like…”WOW!”…”BAM!”…“NEATO!”…”COOL BEANS!”

Frankly, its total amazement!

To stand in one of these indentations and imagine the largest land animal on this continent, a bison, wallowing, rubbing, and kicking up the earth, is mind-boggling.

As we all know, or should know, the American Bison were once numbered in the millions.

Quoting from, The Great Plains Nature Center site…”A single herd located southwest of what is now Dodge City, Kansas in 1871 was carefully estimated to have over 4 million members!  To see anything like this today one would have to visit Africa to see the large herds of grazing animals which still remain there.” 

Buffalo’s wallowed for several reasons. It was a way to rid themselves of winter hair, after rains, the caked layer of mud served as a protection from mosquitos and flies.

Imagine a 1,100 pound bull kicking up the dust!

What remains today of these wallows are grassy dips in the prairie surface. If you know what you’re looking for, its fun to explore the grasslands of Kansas and gaze upon what was once a common sight.

For my grandson, it was a terrific lesson—outside the classroom. A special experience shared with his grandfather.

Put down the video games, and cell phones.

You’d be amazed at what’s in your very own backyard.

Take the time to share something of yourself with the youngsters in your life. They will never forget it, and it will teach them much about the world past and present.

KRE

Images from personal files and the internet…        q=american+buffalo+wallowing&newwindow=1&safe=active&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=jxkcVY_-