The lab tests showed quite conclusively that four of five bison killed because of brucellosis concerns did not even have the disease. Last year, only four of the thirty-six bison examined who were slaughtered actually had the disease. But again, the state of Montana refuses to back down from it's relentless and unwarranted campaign against Yellowstone's bison. Thus, the fears of Montana officials have no factual basis. Furthermore, it is a known fact that wild elk can transmit brucellosis to domestic cattle, and yet neither the state of Montana and ranchers in the Yellowstone area have ever said a work against elk, much less sought to slaughter the brucellosis-infected elk.
Elk are an important game animal to both hunters and ranchers.
Bison, on the other hand, have long been viewed as competition to domestic cattle, competition which needs to be eradicated. Yellowstone Net provides you opportunity to voice your opinion regarding the various Yellowstone issues to your congresspersons and to editorial sections of magazines and newspapers by clicking here . BACK TO TOP . Tim Gourley Hon. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to determine whether to list the prairie dog for protection under the Endangered Species Act.