A bison licking the wound of another bison in British Columbia, Canada
TS Jung
American bison have been observed licking each other’s wounds, a stress-reducing behavior previously undocumented in a hoofed mammal.
When animals sustain injuries, licking is often the first line of defense for wound care. Licking a laceration or puncture can remove infection-causing debris and help wounds heal faster. The saliva of some animals – including humans – has antibacterial properties and promotes tissue and nerve regrowth.
Although female bison have been observed grooming unrelated calves, reports of…