This winter, an unprecedented heavy snowfall in Yellowstone National Park pushed a large portion of the park’s bison herd to search for milder climates and food at lower elevations. In response, state and federal officials sanctioned a four-month-long hunt to prevent the spread of brucellosis—a disease that could infect cattle and cause cows to abort their calves—from the bison to livestock. The hunt generated widespread opposition as it resulted in the culling of over 1,530 bison, including pregnant females and hundreds of others being sent to slaughterhouses or quarantine facilities.

For centuries, bison have played a central role in Native American culture and history. Indigenous tribes, including the Nez Perce, Blackfeet, and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation, traveled to the region to harvest nearly 1,100 bison under historic treaties. The hunt serves as a cultural and spiritual endeavor, bringing families together and allowing tribes to reconnect with their heritage. Additionally, the harvested bison provide a reliable food source for many families.

Critics argue that the hunt disrupts the herds’ social structure and that the limited migration area for the bison unfairly concentrates the animals in a small area, making it easier for hunters. Some Native Americans also criticize the commercial influence driving the extent of the hunt. They believe that the Montana livestock industry is responsible for the excessive culling.

Despite the controversy surrounding the hunt, Native Americans are actively working to increase bison herds on reservations. Currently, 82 tribes have over 20,000 bison in 65 herds, in an effort to reconnect with their history. Yellowstone Park officials are also helping to move bison to tribal lands. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland recently announced a $25 million investment to help conserve and restore bison herds across the West.

The Yellowstone bison hunt highlights the complex balance between cultural heritage, Conservation, and disease prevention. While the hunt allows Indigenous tribes to practice their cultural traditions and provide sustenance, it also raises concerns about the impact on the bison population and the broader ecosystem.

So, what can we do to Support a sustainable solution? We can advocate for further research into the development of more effective brucellosis vaccines for bison, promote better management strategies for the interaction between bison, elk, and livestock, and Support initiatives that aim to restore bison populations on tribal lands. By engaging in these actions, we can contribute to a more balanced and sustainable coexistence between bison and humans, while respecting the cultural heritage of Indigenous tribes.

Not Your Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• 900 Bison at Yellowstone to be Relocated or Shot
• Urgent Action Needed to Help European Bison Dying of Starvation and Disease
• Grand Canyon National Park Opens Bison Hunting
• National Park Service Allowing Trophy Hunting at Grand Canyon Puts More than Bison at Risk
• Over a Quarter of Yellowstone’s Bison Are Set to Be Killed this Year! Let’s Stop This Tragedy

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!