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While the recent birth of a rare and sacred white bison calf in Yellowstone National Park's Lamar Valley continues to make headlines, news of this tiny miracle is overshadowing the release of a management plan that will determine the future of the park's bison for decades. Ask Yellowstone National Park and the National Park Service to create a management plan that prioritizes the well-being of bison so the new white bison and the calf's family can live!

Year after year, the Yellowstone bison herds face constant threats from vehicle collisions and round-ups where they are shipped off to slaughter, along with a massive hunt. The National Park Service has released its Final Environmental Impact Statement, which includes a range of possible actions regarding how buffalo will be managed in future years. Now is the chance for the park to create a plan that protects bison rather than killing them.

Since the Interagency Bison Management Plan was formed by federal and state agencies 24 years ago, bison have been intensively “managed” through captures, confinement, slaughter, hunts, and hazing — largely at the behest of the livestock industry over misguided concerns that bison could transmit brucellosis to cattle, particularly in Montana, even though this has never been documented.

All of the options in the recent management plan draft involve the continued practices of trapping, quarantining, slaughtering, or harassing buffalo as part of government hazing operations. Alternative 2, the Park's favored option, would increase the trapping of buffalo for quarantine purposes and maintain the total population between 3,500 and 6,000 after calving. This would allow for the cruel bison hunt to continue, endangering the lives of the newly born white bison among others.

Not only is the new white bison calf extremely rare, but they are also considered to be sacred by many Native American tribes. The birth of a white bison can mean that change is about to come. Perhaps it is a sign to the National Park Service that change must happen within their bison management system as well.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Prioritize Bison Wellbeing in the New Management Plan

I am writing to urge the National Park Service to adopt an environmentally preferable alternative management plan that minimizes harm and best protects wild bison and the Yellowstone ecosystem. It is imperative that the park's management practices prioritize the well-being of these iconic animals and the integrity of their natural habitat. I support the recommendations made by the Buffalo Field Campaign, including the following points:

Managing wild buffalo in a manner similar to wild elk would allow these majestic animals to exhibit natural behaviors and reduce unnecessary human interference. Yellowstone National Park should also end practices that harass, trap, domesticate, and slaughter wild bison, as these actions suppress herd numbers and disrupt their natural migration patterns.

I also support conserving at least 2,000 to 3,000 adult bison in each herd to preserve genetic diversity. Special attention must be given to the Central herd, which has seen perilously low numbers since 2008. Independent studies on genetic variation and herd integrity should be conducted to understand how past management practices have altered Yellowstone’s population structure from genetically distinct subpopulations to a single interbreeding population.

Collaborative projects with the Custer Gallatin National Forest and American Indian Tribes should be implemented to restore connectivity to buffalo habitats and respect their freedom to roam on national public trust lands. Additionally, building infrastructure to ensure wildlife-safe passages will help maintain the natural movement and migration of buffalo herds.

In light of the recent birth of a white bison calf, it is more important than ever to protect these unique and symbolic animals.
 
The new white bison represents hope and change, and safeguarding this animal’s family will prioritize both cultural significance and ecological integrity. By adopting these measures, the National Park Service can set a precedent for wildlife management that prioritizes conservation and respect for nature.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.