Is that a bison hairball?

I’m not sure what is in that picture but it does look a bit like a hair ball and since there was evidence of bison in the area (such as plate size droppings peppering the trail), Michel and I concluded it might be a bison hair-ball. If anyone reading this knows what it is, please let me know.

I should mention the “bison hair-balls” were discovered while hiking the Hayburger Trail in Elk Island National Park located about 40 minutes from Edmonton. Fortunately, we didn’t come face to face with any bison while hiking (those beasts are huge!) but we did see several from the safety of our car.

Maybe it’s my Canadian soul but the sight of bison scattered across a meadow moves me.

We’re lucky bison still exist at all. From over 60 Million bison in pre 1800, the numbers went down to less than 1,000 in 1900. Now thanks to conservation efforts, including those of the Elk Island National Park, the bison population now numbers about 380,000. If you’re as interested as I am about bison, you can check out the Bison Blog on the Parks Canada website

Although the park is known for the richness of its wildlife, the only other animals we encountered were: three toads, a few birds, several butterflies, and a TON of blackflies and mosquitoes! (note to self: bring bug spray next time I visit a National Park!).

Following our three hour hike we visited Astontin Lake which is a small, weedy lake where you can find a campground, a golf course and various easy hiking trails.

The bison were definitely the highlight of the day. I’m glad I visited Elk Island but I doubt the park will make it to my list of top 10 national parks. The trails were not well marked, in fact we got lost for about thirty minutes – and thirty minutes is long in black fly season. Also, the scenery is fine but not particularly impressive. However, if you happen to be in Edmonton and wish to see some bisons, Elk Island is the place to go.