Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
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Yellowstone National Park - Amazingly, another week has passed and the 18 wild bison bulls outside of Yellowstone National Park continue to roam free. On Wednesday,the DOL came out in force, backed by over a dozen law enforcement officers from various agencies. DOL spent the morning in a failed attempt to haze and capture 8 bison along the Madison River. These wily bulls continually eluded the DOL agents and finally lost them in the trees along the river. DOL agents managed to destroy one snowmachine and had to dig several others out during the operation.

In the afternoon, DOL set their sites on 10 bulls grazing near Horse Butte, but were foiled again. The bison were able to elude the agents, and with the help of BFC volunteers, spent the rest of the afternoon on private land designated as a Buffalo Safe Zone. We were all shown, once again, the power and grace of wild bison.

Unfortunately, the state of Montana demonstrated its willingness to stifle public opposition to the bison slaughter later in the day. BFC volunteer Brian Gharst was arrested at 4 p.m. while driving on a county road near Horse Butte. Gharst had been arrested on January 9th in a blockade of the 610 road, and Gallatin County law enforcement officers recognized him. He was charged with violating the conditions of release from the earlier arrest.

The joy that was felt over the continued freedom of the bison was slightly tempered by the incarceration of one of our volunteers. The realization that DOL would be back to harass and kill these tremendous animals only strengthens the resolve to continue our work in their defense. Volunteers were out with the bison at first light on Thursday morning, and will continue to do so until the last wild bison in America get the protection they deserve.

Peter Leusch, can be contacted by phone: 406-646-0070.