Dramatic footage shows the moment two bison get into a fight in the middle of a road at Yellowstone National Park, as wary drivers keep their distance.
One of the bison – which can weigh up to 2,000lbs – is seen taking off at full speed towards its rival as they cross the road.
The two males lock horns in an aggressive battle, with one getting the better grip.
And its rival is lifted off the ground as his face gets dragged across the asphalt in the brutal showdown.
The males seem to have been battling to assert their dominance during mating season.
The footage – which was shot last month, was revealed in a video released by Yellowstone National Park on Sunday.
One of the bison was flung into the air as its rival charged at it in Yellowstone National Park
The two bison go head to head in a fight last month, in newly released footage from the National Parks’ Instagram page
The bison got into a fight during mating season – which runs from late July to August. Male bison fight during mating season to show dominance
Drivers wisely parked up their cars and kept their distance as the big beasts worked out their quarrel.
Male bison become aggressive during mating season as female bison are more likely to mate with bigger, more violent partners.
National Park bosses posted the footage on Instagram Sunday, and marked Talk Like A Pirate Day with the caption: ‘Arrrhhh! Prepare fer Rammin’ speed, matey!
‘Durin’ matin’ season, male bison can be mighty aggressive…’
Buffalo crossing: Yellowstone National Park is the only place bison have always lived and they maintain the largest population with up to 5,500 roaming around the park
Mating season – also know as ‘the Rut’ – runs from late July to August and the park notes that the males assert ‘their dominance by bellowing, wallowing, and fighting other bulls.’
Although bison are lonely creatures, during mating season, once a male has found a female in heat, he does not leave her until she is ready to mate. Afterward, he moves on other another.
Bison have a long history at Yellowstone. The park is the only place bison have always lived since prehistoric times, according to the park’s website.
The largest population of the animal resides at Yellowstone, where up to 5,500 bison live.