Yellowstone bison calf enjoying the emergence of spring in the Lamar. Michael Leach, 2011.
The Yellowstone bison represent the elephant of North America. They are an iconic species that symbolize the wild heart of the Yellowstone ecosystem and it is beyond time to stop the archaic practice of managing bison like cattle. Bison belong on the winter range and habitat north of the park in the Gardiner Basin, Gallatin National Forest and Dome Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
The question is not whether bison belong in a 21st century Montana; but whether we are willing to live in a state where intolerance for a magnificent and honorable animal, and not science, drives our management policies. The Yellowstone bison debate is no longer an issue of wildlife management, but one of social justice and moral responsibility.
The bison management strategy that has sent 3,800 wild bison to slaughter since 2000—simply for wandering across an invisible line in search of food—remains stagnant and archaic. YNP should not be in the business of managing nor sending bison to slaughter. Stand up for the bison Superintendent Wink and embody the wild spirit of the park you have the honor to watch over.
Please take a moment to sign the online petition created by our friend Glenn Hockett at the Gallatin Wildlife Association asking Yellowstone Superintendent to stop any proposed Yellowstone bison slaughter.
Yellowstone Bison Slaughter Petition
It is fortuitous that our topic for our after school program at Park High in Livingston today is Yellowstone bison management. Perhaps a group of young teenagers will become galvanized to change the culture surrounding bison management in our area. In the words of the Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
For the bison,
Michael Leach, Founder and Director
