Race Day Live Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has filed a lawsuit against Yellowstone National Park’s bison management plan, claiming wild bison pose a threat to cattle.
But experts and conservationists argue this lawsuit is based on misinformation and ignores science.
Gianforte’s main argument is that bison could spread brucellosis, a disease that affects cattle. However, there is no recorded case of wild bison transmitting brucellosis to livestock.
In reality, the disease originally came from imported cattle and later spread to Yellowstone’s buffalo due to human actions.
Meanwhile, elk, which have often transmitted brucellosis to cattle, are allowed to roam freely. This suggests the issue is not really about disease but about control over grazing land.
Montana officials were involved in shaping Yellowstone’s new bison management plan. They had multiple opportunities to provide input, attend meetings, and influence decisions.
Despite this, Gianforte is suing, claiming the final decision does not align with Montana’s interests. However, public feedback strongly supported a plan that allowed more freedom for wild bison, yet a more restrictive option was chosen.
Groups like Roam Free Nation, a Native-led nonprofit, oppose the new plan but for different reasons than the governor.
They believe the plan still limits wild bison populations too much. Gianforte’s lawsuit raises concerns because nearly every bison that crosses into Montana is already hunted by state and tribal hunters.
Critics argue that Montana’s livestock industry has long opposed wild bison, using Native American treaties as a way to reduce their population without taking direct action.
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The lawsuit also claims that Yellowstone’s bison population is too large and damages the park’s habitat.
However, Yellowstone’s top bison biologist, Chris Geremia, has stated that the park could support up to 11,000 bison. Other research shows bison help maintain grasslands and prairies, playing a key role in the ecosystem.
Bison conservation is a growing concern. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as “near threatened,” while Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks classifies them as a Tier 1 species, meaning they are at high risk.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is also considering giving Yellowstone’s bison Endangered Species Act protections. Despite this, Montana’s government continues to side with livestock interests, pushing policies that restrict wild bison populations.
Conservationists say it’s time to stand up to these outdated policies. They argue that Montana should support wild bison instead of protecting livestock interests at their expense.
With public opinion favoring bison restoration, Gianforte’s lawsuit is facing increasing opposition from conservation groups, scientists, and residents alike.
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