Male bison in Yellowstone National Park can weigh 2,000 pounds, so when two of them clash it can be an earth-shaking event.
The accompanying silent footage, captured through a vehicle windshield, shows a bison ramming another with such force that it lifts the rival bison off the ground and knocks him off the road.
Yellowstone shared the video Wednesday, explaining that mating season is still underway and that male bison are aggressive and all bison should be afforded a wide berth.
The clash of titans occurred during a bison jam, with tourists stopped in both directions to wait for the herd to leave the road. Viewers will note that two calves are quick to skitter out of the way.
Yellowstone is home to nearly 5,000 bison. Mating season, known as the bison rut, occurs from late July through August. Calves are born the following April or May.
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The animals are more docile before and after mating season, but still dangerous. Despite their incredible bulk, they can charge at speeds up to 30 mph.
–Images are courtesy of the National Park Service (top) and Pete Thomas
