Yellowstone National Park has initiated wild bison capture operations in their Stephens Creek bison trap, and plans to send hundreds to slaughter in coming weeks.
Yellowstone asserts that these actions are necessary to appease Montana’s livestock industry which claims wild bison pose a threat. Bison were recently bestowed with the honor of being designated as the United States’ National Mammal.
“Bison were recently granted national mammal status by the U.S. Congress because they embody such monumental significance in this country, as a symbol of the wild, untamed land, as the true shapers and stewards of native grasslands and prairie communities, and for their profound cultural importance to many indigenous tribes,” said Stephany Seay of Buffalo Field Campaign.
Wild bison advocates must work to repeal MCA 81-2-120 and remove the Montana Department of Livestock’s authority over wild buffalo, and also insist on a new plan that respects wild buffalo like wild elk in Montana.
Today, there are an estimated 5,500 bison in Yellowstone National Park. This means the lives of 2,500 hang in the balance.
Furthermore, the annual removal of bison has real ecological consequences for other wildlife basically taking food out of the mouths of wolves, grizzlies, coyotes, ravens, magpies and other animals that kill or scavenge bison.
How You Can Help: Contact Yellowstone National Park
Daniel Wenk, Superintendent Yellowstone National Park P.O. Box 168 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190-0168
Phone: (307) 344-2002 Fax: (307) 344-2014
http://www.theearthchild.co.za/yellowst ... ild-bison/
