Near Record Numbers

I see that the Bison in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) are <a href="http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/10/16/news/state/18-rebound.txt">near record numbers</a> at almost 4700 head. Here we have all these Bison running around the park and nowhere do we hear talk about too many bison and over grazing the park. Nowhere do we hear that the Park needs to bring in a predator to control the numbers of Bison. All we hear about is how the evil Montana ranchers are having the Bison shot coming out of the Park by a new Bison hunt in Montana. <br />n<br />nDo people realize that the Bison wouldn't be leaving the Park if there was enough food to eat? There would be enough food to eat if the Federal Government would do something to control the numbers of Bison in the Park instead of leaving it to the states that the Bison wander into to control the numbers. The Feds are shirking their responsibility here. I know it is not Politically Correct to talk about responsibility but that is what this is about. Check out this.<br />n<br />n<blockquote>Meanwhile, state and federal agencies are gearing up to deal with the possibility that bison may wander.<br />n<br />nA plan approved in 2000 is intended to reduce the risk that bison will transmit brucellosis to cattle outside the park. The plan allows bison to be captured, and sometimes be sent to slaughter without being tested for the disease, if the population is greater than 3,000.</blockquote> <br />n<br />nThe plan for Bison control with YNP allows for slaughter without testing if the Bison numbers exceed 3000. This is an admission that 3000 Bison is about the right numbers for the Park. Does the Park take responsibility to control the numbers to maintain a healthy herd and healthy environment? No. They just expect the states surrounding the Park to shoulder the burden of the extra Bison.<br />n<br />nI will guarantee you something, if you overgraze land year after year like the park service is, you damage your grasslands beyond recovery. Don't give me no bull about the Bison is a natural wild animal where the cow is domestic animal so the cow overgrazing is worse than the Bison over grazing. The grass could care less what animal over grazes it. Ever taken a close look at the forage cover left in a prairie dog town after a few years? There is not much grass left. Lots of weeds and undesirable grasses due to over grazing.<br />n<br />nThe Park needs to take responsibility for the herds under their control. The Bison numbers are too high for the pastures they have and it is hurting not only the Bison, but the land itself. I wish these Bison lovers would understand this concept. By pushing for the Bison not to be controlled they are actually causing more problems for the land and the herd than they are solving by protecting the Bison. Proper herd management of any herd of animals means making the tough choices about carrying capacity of your land and culling the herd of undesirable animals. The Park Service needs to do this with the Bison to have a healthy, stable herd. Responsibility, not a lot of fun but necessary.<br />n<br />n<strong>Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect. Eleanor Roosevelt</strong>