BUFFALO RINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 January 1939, Page 5

BUFFALO RINGS

PROTECTION AGAINST WOLVES Throughout the prairie region of the United States, where the buffalo once roamed, there are deep-worn circular paths. Tourists, driving over the fenceless prairie, often run across them. None but old-timers know how these rings are formed. They are the last, reminder of (he days of the buffalo.

When attacked by wolves, the buffaloes would gather the weak and young in a group. The strong and sturdy buffaloes would then start to gallop in a circle around the huddlefl group. Round and round the huge buffaloes would race in an unbroken circle. The wolves could not break the ring. If they got in the path of the galloping buffaloes they were stamped and crushed to death.

Buffaloes, which are considered dumb, were intelligent enough to cooperate. They pooled their strength to protect themselves against a common foe. When left alone, the buffalo was helpless, and could easily be devoured by a small pack of wolves. Collectively, however, he withstood the onslaught of a ravenous pack of wolves. Only the poor half-witted buffalo Who tried to work alone, fell a prey to his enemies.

The buffaloes showed a remarkable instinct for co-operation and organisation, Because of this they grew and multiplied until they were the dominant animal of the West. If was only when the white man camo and started a systematic campaign of slaughter, that the buffalo met his end.