Although grizzly bears are not picky eaters, they do tend to stick to the same diets. While they are opportunistic hunters and feeders, they often go after what is easy. For that reason, the head of a bison is usually left alone when the bears are devouring them. If for nothing else, the simple reason is that the skull is tough to crack. However, in a recent video, a grizzly can be seen eating bison brains. Now experts are trying to work out why and what led to this incredibly rare moment.
Grizzly Caught Eating Bison Brains On Camera
Cowboy State Daily shared the story of Ojo, the one-eyed Yellowstone grizzly who decided to feast on bison brains. Although it is not known how he lost his eye, it is known that his actions are rare. Experts share that while it is not uncommon for grizzlies to feast on the carcasses of large game, they rarely go for the head. As previously stated, this is because the skull is difficult to crack. Therefore, it requires a lot of effort for a reward. When grizzlies are in their hyperphagia, or "pig-out" stage, they want the most bang for their buck. However, it appears that Ojo thought the most bang for his buck was in a nice side of bison brains.
Brains are high in fat and do hold quite a lot of nutritional value, so it is not strange that a bear would enjoy them. What was strange about the whole ordeal was that there were many more accessible parts of the animal available for consumption. Wildlife watcher and photographer April Holm shared what she witnessed with the outlet. "They (the other grizzlies) had been in the stomach area, but there was still lots of meat on the carcass when Ojo started to eat into the skull," she shared.
Why Did Ojo Do This?
Despite the nutritional value, experts are still trying to determine why the grizzly was eating bison brains rather than the more accessible parts of the animal. Retired federal ecologist Chuck Neal of Cody shared his thoughts with the outlet. He argued that grizzlies are not only highly intelligent but "highly individualistic." Therefore, he argued that it is entirely possible that one bear got a taste for something he liked and went back for more. "It is quite possible," he shared, "and even more likely, that a particular bear has discovered foods that are important to him, and that other bears don't know about."
It seems like Ojo thinks the taste and the nutritional value are worth the heavy lifting. Maybe this will not be the last time we see a grizzly eating bison brains.
