(Yellowstone – MFP) Yellowstone National Park is proposing a major shift in its strategy for managing bison, one that could mean larger herds, expanded hunting opportunities beyond park borders, and more bison transfers to tribal governments.
The park prepared its new bison management plan in response to research regarding brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can cause cattle to abort their young. That research has concluded the transmission to livestock is more likely attributable to elk than bison.
Groups like the Montana Stockgrowers Association have long pushed to limit bison presence outside the park, arguing that risks associated with brucellosis transmission, fence damage and forage loss outweigh benefits.
