Suit To Halt Bison Detention

A group of conservation groups have filed an injunction in a federal court in Montana seeking to block the lethal removal of bison in and around Yellowstone National Park, and the use of the capture facilities at Stephens Creek to hold the bison in confinement for extended durations.  That motion was filed today in the Montana Division of the US District Courtin Helena asking for an immediate injunction or temporary restraining order to prevent the testing of some 340 bison captured this week since those found to be seropositive are to be sent to slaughter within days.  Those bison had wandered north out of the park last weekend and were hazed into the facility.  National Park Officials explains that under the interagency bison management plans, when hazing bison back into the park becomes unsafe or ineffective, bison can be captured at the Stephens Creek capture facility.  The conservation groups cite a lawsuit filed in November of 2009 seeking injunctive relief until a supplemental environmental impact statement could be prepared ensuring a viable population of bison could be maintained in the area.  Groups participating in this most recent injunction include Western Watersheds Project, Buffalo Field Campaign, Gallatin Wildlife Association, and Native Ecosystems Project.