Each winter, the buffalo that leave Yellowstone National Park to graze outside the park boundaries are harassed, captured, shot or sent to slaughter by the state of Montana’s Department of Livestock even when they are on adjoining public lands. This year will be no different and many believe it could prove to be the deadliest winter yet. That’s because a flawed management plan allows the state of Montana and the National Park Service to kill any bison outside the park when the population exceeds 3,0000 animals.
With an estimated population of 4,200, it is likely that more than a 1,000 buffalo could be killed this winter and spring.
The American buffalo is a wildlife icon of the United States. Once tens of millions of buffalo roamed throughout much of the lower 48 states. By the late 19th century, just a handful of buffalo remained all in Yellowstone National Park. The Park’s buffalo are the only animals that have continuously lived wild and free and they are genetically unique.
Unlike captive ranched buffalo, which are now relatively common, Yellowstone buffalo have never interbred with cattle and have retained their wild character.WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Last year, for the first time in many years, the National Park Service actively participated in the capture and slaughter of buffalo. The Park Service’s involvement prompted congressional action by Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Charles Bass (R-NH). They recently introduced legislation that protects Yellowstone’s cherished buffalo herd when they leave the park. We need you to contact your representative and ask them to support the Yellowstone Buffalo Protection Act.
INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPOND VIA THE WEB:
If you have access to the web, simply click on the link below whichwill take you to the DEN Action Center web site: