Advertisement

Nation IN BRIEF : MONTANA : Decision on Killing Buffalo Is Delayed

Share via
From Times Staff and Wire Reports

State wildlife officials in Helena, Mont., put off a decision on a plan for federal wardens and state rangers to kill bison that wander out of Yellowstone National Park to ensure that they do not spread disease to cattle. About half of the 2,500 to 3,000 buffalo in the park are believed to carry brucellosis, which causes cattle to abort. Animal rights groups contend the threat of the bisons’ passing the disease to domestic cattle is minimal, but Montana ranchers say the invading bison should not be allowed even the slightest chance to contaminate rangeland. Montana spent millions of dollars over a decade to eradicate brucellosis.

Advertisement