BISON (CONT)

Conservationists note the bison policy is inconsistent, as elk can carry brucellosis and there are documented cases of transmission from elk to cattle.

Elk, which far outnumber bison and are permitted to range beyond the park, were responsible for both Idaho and Wyoming losing their brucellosis-free status in recent years.

A popular target for hunters, elk have "a stronger constituency" than bison, said Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States.

Pacelle said the current plan ignores the special value of the Yellowstone herd, which is descended from the 23 wild bison that survived the mass eradication of the 19th century and is considered the largest remaining single population of genetically pure bison.

"This is a special population of animals," Pacelle said, "… [but] they are treated like shaggy members of a disposed cattle herd that are encroaching on adjacent and occupied cattle ranches."

"The whole rationale here is brucellosis," Pacelle added. "This whole thing has been an exaggeration, it is a canard. This is a land use issue and it is concern about bison extending their range."

Pacelle and other conservationists at the hearing expressed support for both the buyout and for the concept of a buffer zone, and urged lawmakers to find a solution to the management issue.

"If history continues on its present course, the Yellowstone herd will become just another intensively managed, domesticated herd," said Josh Osher of the Buffalo Field Campaign

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