Base

Salt Lake Bison #1/12

Collection

Photography On Base

Creator

Rachel Suzanne Tien Wood

Description

If you find yourself on Antelope Island in Utah during golden hour, you might be lucky enough to meet one of its oldest residents—not just in age, but in lineage. The American bison, often called buffalo (though technically a different species), has roamed this island for over a century. In 1893, 12 bison were introduced to Antelope Island, brought by John Dooly, who owned most of the island at the time. These animals formed the foundation of what would become one of the largest and oldest publicly owned bison herds in the nation. They’re massive—some bulls weighing up to 2,000 pounds—but surprisingly graceful. Despite their size, bison can run up to 35 miles per hour and pivot with incredible agility. And yet, it's not their strength that stays with you—it’s their presence. Quiet, steady, almost timeless. In the colder months, like when this photo was taken, the frost clings to the earth and softens the air. The bison’s thick coat—layered and evolved to endure brutal winters—catches the last light like copper armor. Today, the Antelope Island bison herd numbers between 550 and 700 individuals, depending on the season and annual roundups. These roundups are crucial for managing the herd size and ensuring the health of the population. So when you see one standing still like this, watching the sun dip below the mountains—you’re not just seeing a bison. You’re witnessing a living piece of North American history. One that almost disappeared, but didn’t. Because wild things, when given space, remember how to thrive.

Traits

Artist

Rachel Suzanne Tien Wood

Year Taken