How could it be that young female Polish cow would rather hang with some beefy bison versus her own species? That's the question that needs to be asked by a cow who escaped from her pasture this past November near the Bialowieza Forest in Poland.
Spotted . . .
The heifer was seen accompanying a wild herd of bison, surprising all passer-by's who witnessed the mismatched pack. Ornithologist Adam Zbyryt took photos of the unique scene in the fall that went viral. The response from naturalists was that they were assured . . . but to date, she's proved them wrong.
Also spotted by bison expert Rafal Kowalczyk at the Polish Academy of Sciences Mammal Research Institute, he described the happening as "exceptional." Supporting that critique was the fact the bison welcomed the cow with "open hooves," sort of speak.
In good health
From all sources, it appear the bison-loving cow is in good health, both mentally and physically. This fact is supported by the fact she has been foraging cooperatively with the herd. Since the cow is a "Limousine breed", its thick fur is built for harsh climatic conditions, helping her to survive in the wild. Eastern Poland is currently experiencing a milder winter this year which also helps with her sustaining good health in the elements.
Electra Complex?
This narrative is not all good news. As humorous as this story is, this case can be seen as a cautionary tale -- almost Freudian in nature. The Eclectra Complex is the psychological competition between a sibling and its mother. Could this theory be played out in the animal kingdom? According to biologists, if the cow was to breed with a bison and bear a calf from the union, the hybrid calf could be a threat. The size of that offspring [beefalo] would be much larger than the Mom. And those proportions would likely kill her, when it pushed itself through the birth canal.
Happy Ending . . .
To thwart that happening, scientists are planning to remove the rogue cow from the bison herd this summer.
According to Kowalczyk, "The more time she spends in the herd, the riskier it will be."
As a result -- hopefully the cow who would be bison will have a happy ending, when she return to her roots, with bragging rights in tow. She then be able to tell all her fellow cows about the "wild and woolly times she experienced when she ran off to join the bison circus."
Primary Source: Wide Open Pets
