Yellowstone's Bison Population Flourishing

Park Administrators And Farmers Worry That Larger Herds Could Aid Spread Of Cattle Disease

(AP)  Yellowstone National Park's bison herd has bounced back to near-record levels following the slaughter of more than 1,000 animals two winters ago to guard against the spread of disease, park administrators said Monday.

An estimated 4,700 bison now roam the park, up from 3,600 last year. They make up the largest bison herd in the world.

During the winter of 2005-2006, after the population hit a record 4,900 animals, more than 1,000 bison migrated outside the park in search of food. They were captured and killed to prevent the spread of brucellosis, which can cause female bison and cattle to abort their calves and is considered endemic in the Yellowstone herd.

Following a public outcry and congressional hearing over the slaughter, only two bison were killed last winter. Park administrators and the Montana Department of Livestock instead concentrated on moving migrant animals back into the park, to keep them from interacting with cattle.

Whether the same dilemma will be faced with this year's larger population remains to be seen, said Glenn Plumb, Yellowstone's chief of natural resources.

Amy McNamara with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition said the brucellosis issue goes beyond population levels and is likely to hang over the Yellowstone herd until the disease can be eradicated.

"In bad winters, they're going to seek out forage (at lower elevations), and they're going to do this whether there's 400 or 4,000 bison," she said.

Other large animals, including elk, also carry brucellosis.

[cfin5]

What a beautiful picture! Bison really should be what ranchers manage for their livelihoods. I''m not telling them what to do or anything as their business is just that,....theirs. To me, Bison are "Americas Cattle" and well suited for this great land. I really hope that maybe some more of the ranchers "go with the flow" in propagating them. If I go to the Steakhouse and see Bison on the menu, that''s what I want for supper!