This grand matron bison cow seemed like she was deep in thought when I studied her. I wondered what her life had been like up to this point. I saw her in June 2006.
It was rather obvious that she had lived a long life, maybe early teens, and most likely mothered at least 8 calves. Her head and body condition gave way to her fading years.
I noticed her horns were thin and curved back, rather than curved upright. Her head was more rounded and not as flat-faced as her younger counterparts.
And, lastly, as with even aging domesticated animals, they do not shed their winter coats as they did in their youth.