Although only eleven bison were killed this past winter, the low number of deaths was largely because of the very mild winter. If next winter is harsh, far more bison will leave the Park, and far more would almost certainly be killed if their fate rests in the hands of the Montana Department of Livestock. Unfortunately, the Montana Department of Livestock seems to have a vendetta against bison. This is evidenced by the fact that although they are taking a dogmatic stand against the bison, they have no problem with brucellosis-carrying elk mingling with their cattle. The double-standard is even more marked when one considers that wild elk are known to transmit brucellosis to cattle, whereas there is no documented case of a wild bison doing so.
Elk are welcome, while bison are gunned down.
The final decision on the bison management plan has yet to be made. The entire bison and brucellosis controversy and this resulting plan is testimony to how difficult is has become for different interest groups to work together for an acceptable agreement. If you have a story to contribute to this column, email me . For more information about my book, College Guide to a Summer Job in Yellowstone, click here . Somebody famous said that years ago.