Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

The spring weather we have been enjoying has brought about a big change this week. Over 100 bison have followed the Madison river and are in the process of leaving the safety of Yellowstone. The herd consists mainly of pregnant females and year old calves. They are being drawn to the Horse Butte area by green grass that is growing there and their genetic memory that this area is prime calving grounds that their ancestors have used for generations unnumbered. Although the snow level is low in the park, the bison traditionally follow this path to get the fresh grass they desperately need at this time of year.

The Department of Livestock responded on Wednesday and hazed 20 bison from Horse Butte along the Madison bluffs, and back to the park border.

DOL agents were amazingly friendly to volunteers and gentle with the bison during the 5 mile trip. Their PR machine is in full swing and will claim that they tried to haze, but now must capture and slaughter to get the job done. Over 50 bison left the park a few hours after the DOL operation.

Our hope is that they will continue with this course of action, but we will be prepared to stop any attempts to capture. Spirits are high in camp and we have had a wonderful influx of children to the cabin this week. It's interesting that they have come at the same time that the mothers and calves appeared at the border. Getting a child's perspective of the issue helps us remember why we are here, working to protect the last wild herd of American bison.

With all these bison in the area, it looks to be a crazy April. Volunteers are desperately needed for the rest of the month, as over 100 bison will most likely be in jeopardy. Please contact us if we can provide you with any information that can help you make a decision regarding coming down. write to : Buffalo@wildrockies.org

For those of you who can't make it down... National Geographic's Bison piece is scheduled to air April 9th on the National Geographic Channel. National Geographic Today airs 7pm Eastern.

For the buffalo!

Remember - $36 keeps one activist in the field for a week! Donations are tax deductible and should be sent to: Buffalo Field Campaign; POB 957; West Yellowstone, MT 59758. BFC is the only group in the Field 365 days a year protecting the last free roaming buffalo.

If you would like to make your concerns known to the Montana Department of Livestock - Please give them a call and express your concerns -

Please contact these 3 folks: -- Marc Bridges; Executive Officer; in-state at 1-800-523-3162; ext. 3 or out of state (406) 444-2023; mbridges@state.mt.us -- Arnold Gertonson; State Vet; 406-444-7323; agertonson@state.mt.us -- Karen Cooper; Public Information Officer; 406-444-9431; kcooper@state.mt.us Department of Livestock, P.O. BOX 202001, HELENA, MT 59620

Some talking points -

        Why does the DOL insist on killing bulls when it has never been documented that they can pass the disease to cattle in the wild? and why have they been killed when there are no cows in the area until June?

        Isn't it true that the buffalo testing positive could just have the antibody to brucellosis and thus be genetically superior because they actually have resistance to the disease.

        Will the DoL insist on killing all pregnant females this spring?

        Does anyone in the Department have a degree in wildlife biology - have any staff even taken one course?

        Why does the DOL continue using a helicopter even though it is prohibited by the Forest Services Biological Opinion and Assessment and their own Special Use permit as well as a federal judge's ruling?

        Why do they continue to disturb bald eagle nests and perhaps are the reason for nesting failures in the Horse Butte area when the Endangered Species Act of the United States protects these animals?

        Is it possible that buffalo management activities in the 90's might have played a part in the decline of pronghorn antelopes on the northern edge of the Park?

        What training have DOL employees doing law enforcement taken and why have they used physical force on volunteers prior to giving a simple verbal command?

        Why do DOL employees feel it is necessary to waste tax dollars by outfitting their employees with flak jackets?

        Why does the DOL web page state "Eradication efforts will eventually have to deal with brucellosis in American bison and elk and Alaskan Caribou to eliminate these potentially dangerous reservoirs of infection." ---- The federal Fish and Game and the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks are the only agencies authorized to manage wildlife populations. The MDOL should acknowledge that authority and leave those decisions in the hands of professional wildlife biologists who are dedicated to protecting our indigenous elk, bison, and caribou herds.

        Who is receiving bison meat, head & hides of the slaughtered buffalo and in what quantity?

        Who has the authority to make the disbursement decisions, and what criteria is used to determine who will receive the disbursements of bison products?

        Are there any private citizens or tribal leaders involved in distributing the meat, head, & hide?

        Is there anyone else besides DOL personnel that is being paid to distribute these products?

        Does anyone make a profit from the bison products?

        Was there a Native American ceremonial person present at the time of slaughter to administer the proper prayers and rites before the bison gives up it's life? If not, then why?

IBM has approved BFC under it's matching grants program. If you are a active or retired IBM employee (or know someone who is) - you can leverage your money with a donation to BFC.

Contact bfc-programs@wildrockies.org for more info - THANKS!