Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Happy New Year to all from the Madison River valley! We enjoyed another beautiful week of sunshine and cold, moonlit nights. Our days were spent peacefully with over 25 magnificent bulls that are currently out of the park. The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) has returned today, though, and is attempting to capture 6 of the bulls at Horse Butte as I write. I have just heard news that the six bison have "given them the slip," and can only pray that they continue to do so.

DOL was greeted this morning by a beautiful 35 foot long banner that hung over the road at the edge of West Yellowstone. Paintings of bison and buffalo nickels adorned the banner which read, "The last wild bison are being slaughtered using your taxpayer dollars." The banner served well in informing tourists and locals alike that they are footing the bill for this farce (over $2 million per year).

Last week's fly-over of the park was a great success and over 2500 bison were seen and their locations documented. About 50 bison are along the Madison River near the west boundary and several hundred are along the steamy Firehole River, which feeds into the Madison. 20 bison were spotted near the north entrance along the Yellowstone river, with most of that herd still well upstream in the Lamar Valley. 15 to 20 thousand elk were also spotted in and around the park (elk carry brucellosis at a higher rate than bison). Thanks again to pilot Reg Goodwin and LightHawk for providing this valuable information and allowing 2 volunteers a once in a lifetime flight.

The bison slaughter has received some media attention this week with a short piece on the National Geographic Channel on Wednesday night and on two radio shows this morning. You can download the radio shows from the net at www.nativeamericacalling.org (under past programs) and www.Meria.net (the Meria Heller show).

A new group of volunteers has arrived in camp, just in time to help out in what looks to be a perilous time for the bison that are outside of the park. We draw our strength from the bison and from all of you who are outraged by their plight.

For the Buffalo, Pete

Buffalo Field Campaign
P.O. Box 957
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
Phone: 406-646-0070
FAX: 406-646-0071
E-mail: buffalo@wildrockies.org

Don't forget! There are have 8 days left to comment on the Horse Butte Grazing allotments. If no cattle graze here, it would be a great step towards the true protection of the last wild buffalo. The NEW DEADLINE is January 11, 2002, go to BFC Update 10/25/2001 for information. If you haven't sent your comments yet the now is the time! * Send an e-mail to public officials.