“During the winter holidays, such excursions are extremely popular – tourists come with whole families to visit the forest giants,” the reserve told RG. – Children are surprised to learn that instead of tangerines, bison prefer… pumpkin!
Nature lovers have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. In addition to a trip by SUV to the herd’s feeding areas, those interested can visit the Bison Museum, skiing and snowmobiling.
It should be noted that the “window to nature” was opened here more than ten years ago, launching several eco-routes for every taste. Fortunately, there is something to see. Located in the Temnikovsky district, near the border with the Nizhny Novgorod region, the Smidovich nature reserve is one of the oldest in the Volga region: next year it will celebrate its 90th anniversary. And since 1946, when by order of People’s Commissar Beria a nuclear center was created in nearby Sarov, dense forests also served as a buffer zone for the secret facility, surrounding it on three sides.
Since the reserve is located exactly at the junction of three landscape zones – taiga, broad-leaved and coniferous forests – such a variety of fauna as here can hardly be found anywhere else. There are more than 60 species of mammals alone: from the jerboa to the bison.
Majestic handsome men have lived on Mordovian lands since ancient times. However, by the beginning of the 20th century, this species here, as throughout the world, was endangered. They tried to restore the population in 1956, when a bison nursery was created in the reserve. After 20 years, the animals were released into their natural environment. However, the experiment ended sadly – during the bandit-poaching “freedom” of the 90s, they were exterminated.
And yet, in the 21st century, bison returned to Mordovian forests. The first batch of eight young individuals was brought here in 2019. And at the end of 2023, 32 Red Book giants already lived in the reserve. Matriarchy reigns among the bison.
– In the warm season, our animals travel in two herds of females, young males and calves. “Each one is led by adult bison,” said Elena Ershkova, deputy director for scientific work at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Reserve Mordovia.” – Adult bulls walk separately at this time. And in November, when the cold weather arrives, the bison return to their winter quarters to survive the difficult period of the year together. To feed the animals, the reserve staff prepares hay and succulent food – carrots, beets, pumpkins, and zucchini.
“Lunch” of the herd at the feeding area. Photo: Federal State Budgetary Institution “Reserve Mordovia”
By the way, anyone can donate their favorite vegetables to the forest giants – the reserve regularly holds “Feed the Bison” campaigns. However, the animals themselves are not shy about managing the surrounding lands – in the fall, the herd sometimes goes to nearby villages to feast on cabbage in the gardens. Recently, a video shot by local residents about another visit of forest guests went viral on social networks: a bison through a fence begs a villager for a treat.
The reserve’s staff carefully places the bison’s favorite treat – sliced pumpkin – in the feeding areas. Photo: Federal State Budgetary Institution “Reserve Mordovia”
“They are not afraid of people, since they were raised in a nursery,” explained the reserve. – In the forest, bison have virtually no threats – these animals are able to fend for themselves. In winter, wolves try to approach the herd. But, if there are no sick or weakened individuals among the livestock, it is very difficult to attack the bison. There is no need to panic when meeting them. This animal is peaceful and behaves like an ordinary cow. True, you shouldn’t try to play with him either. And as for cabbage, the bison ask in advance to understand and forgive!
Source: rg.ru
