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At its November public meeting, state, federal and tribal representatives voted to kill 300-700 bison in Yellowstone National Park this winter, or 10-14% of the population. Bison are shot by hunters at the park's borders or they are trapped and shipped off to slaughter. Tell the National Park Service to end the mass slaughter of the species known as America's national mammal and to prioritize non-lethal solutions like coexistence strategies and the bison transfer program instead.

The National Park Service (NPS) estimates that the park can sustain 10,000 bison, yet the current population is well below that. The NPS counted just over 5,000 bison in the summer of 2021, which is only half of Yellowstone's carrying capacity. Last year, despite the ludicrous goal set by the NPS to brutally kill as many as 900 to 1,100 bison that many In Defense of Animals supporters spoke out against, only 49 bison were killed because they did not migrate in the direction expected, thwarting most (but sadly not all) efforts to kill them. Bison were also recently considered for the Endangered Species Act, indicating that bison populations should be protected rather than depleted. The park even admits that it “does not like” sending bison to slaughter, so it should work to prioritize transfer programs that move bison to new areas.

Bison unknowingly wander over the arbitrary and invisible border of the national park and are met with semi-automatic rifles. Others stumble into the Stephens Creek trap facility, thinking they've found a good meal, only to be shipped off to slaughter. Many of the female bison who are killed are carrying babies at this time as well. Bison, like humans, are pregnant for nine months and generally give birth in the spring.

Bison are also the target of these mass killings to allegedly prevent the transmission of brucellosis to “privately owned” and exploited cattle despite the fact that there is no evidence to support this. Brucellosis is an infectious disease affecting elk, bison, and cattle that causes abortions, low milk production, and infertility. Concerns about the spread of the disease are not for the well-being of cattle, but for the well-being and productivity of the ranching industry that itself exploits and slaughters sentient animals for their flesh.

The NPS should prioritize non-lethal management strategies and make decisions about the bison population rooted in science and not influenced by private industries. Expanding the bison relocation program and fostering coexistence between bison and people should be the NPS's top priority.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Stop the Mass Slaughter of Yellowstone’s Wild Bison

As someone who is concerned with the management and fate of bison in Yellowstone National Park, and one of over 250,000 In Defense of Animals supporters, I am writing to implore you to end the mass slaughter of America’s national mammal and to instead prioritize non-lethal solutions like coexistence strategies and the bison transfer program. 

The current bison population is well below Yellowstone’s carrying capacity of 10,000. Bison were also recently considered for the Endangered Species Act, indicating that bison populations should be protected rather than depleted. Transfer programs should be prioritized to move bison to new areas.

Also, there is no evidence to support the spread of brucellosis from wild bison to cattle. The private interests of the ranching industry should not take precedence over the survival of bison. 

The National Park Service should prioritize non-lethal management strategies and make decisions about the bison population that are rooted in science, and not influenced by private industries. Expanding the bison relocation program and fostering coexistence between bison and people should be your top priority.

I respectfully urge you to show our national mammals the respect they deserve and to commit to non-lethal methods to protect these beautiful animals so central to Yellowstone National Park.

Sincerely,

Signed

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