Who let the ‘red dogs’ out? Baby bison are taking over Antelope Island, here’s how to safely spot them
ANTELOPE ISLAND, Utah (ABC4) — It is baby season for one of the American West’s most iconic animals, and some of them can even be seen in the beehive state.
Baby bison, otherwise known as “red dogs,” are taking over Antelope Island, and since the animals can be known for being more aggressive this time of year, ABC4.com is breaking down all of the things you need to know to be safe and comfortable on your trip.
“They’re called little red dogs because off in the distance, if you see them running and playing, which they do often, they basically look like little red retrievers running around and playing out there, and they’re playful like dogs,” said Doranne Pittz, Antelope Island State Park Manager. “They’re so cute!”
Visitors to the park agree, saying it’s ‘awesome’ to see them.
“They’re very on edge. Right? Just like any new mother, they want to protect their young. Also, we have what we call century bison, and that is when a mother that is going into labor has a friend that is watching out and making sure that they have a safe place to lay their baby,” said Pittz.
Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and can run up to 40 miles per hour, so now more than ever, Pittz is warning the public to keep their distance.
“We do the rule of thumb,” said Pittz. “If you stick your thumb out and you put it out in front of you and look at it, if you can see any part of the bison on the outside of it, you’re too close. We ask you to back off.”
However, even from a distance, bison are a sight to see.
“It’s just amazing to see them in the wild, see their size. It’s just, you know, people don’t get to experience that in their lifetime,” said park guest Bradley Hurst.
“Especially in their natural habitat versus a confined space in a zoo, you get to see them roam free,” added Tyler Hurst, another guest.
Another guest, Cassie Hurst, said it was nice to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat.
Who let the ‘red dogs’ out? Baby bison are taking over Antelope Island, here’s how to safely spot them
As long as safety guidelines are followed, guests have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit and watch these unique animals, an opportunity that Pittz said guests should not pass up.
“You start seeing that they truly have personalities, and they almost act like our little dog herd. They are very cute, very playful, but they are each so different,” said Pittz.
Baby season has already begun on Antelope Island, but its peak is expected in the next week or two, so if you haven’t made your way out there, there is still time to see the “red dogs” out and about.
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