Freedom

Bison Face Hunting at Wyoming Refuge

JACKSON, Wyo. -- In the three decades since 18 bison stumbled onto a federal elk feeding ground outside this mountain town, the herd has ballooned to 1,200 animals - one of the largest groups of bison in the United States. But the National Elk Refuge was not created for bison, 6-foot-tall, 1-ton brutes also known as buffalo. Since their arrival, the bison have pushed elk off the refuge's artificial feed lines, trampled its 25,000 acres of grasslands and introduced diseases that put livestock at risk. Beginning Saturday, refuge officials and state wildlife officials will hold annual hunts aimed at cutting down the herd by at least 700 animals over the next few years. Hunters are entitled to one bison each. Full story...

Posted by Editor at September 19, 2007 02:11 AM