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Hunters Take Aim in Wyoming

Hunters look to thin once-endangered population

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 15, 2007 4:20 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Hunters take aim at a symbol of the American West today, as Wyoming’s National Elk Refuge opens the first buffalo season in almost a decade. Officials say they need to lower the population from 1,200 to 500 because of overgrazing and disease. But killing the once-endangered species has animal groups and locals up in arms, Reuters reports.

Upscale residents fear that the plan will scare away wildlife-loving tourists. Animal rights activists also decry the hunting: “Hunting these bison is like hunting parked cars,” says a Humane Society rep. Officials argue that they love the buffalo but have to make unpopular choices; recent fires and droughts are forcing species to compete for dwindling food sources.

A cowboy rides along the buffalo herd as it is brought toward the corrals during the 39th annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in this Oct. 4, 2004, file photo taken near Custer, S.D. The North American bison is continuing its cross-country stampede into restaurants, butcher shops and natural...
A cowboy rides along the buffalo herd as it is brought toward the corrals during the 39th annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup in this Oct. 4, 2004, file photo taken near Custer, S.D. The North American...   (Associated Press)
A North American bison, one of hundreds that roam the island, forages for food in a burned-out part the interior the island the third day after a wildfire swept through Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California Saturday, May 12, 2007. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
A North American bison, one of hundreds that roam the island, forages for food in a burned-out part the interior the island the third day after a wildfire swept through Santa Catalina Island off the coast...   (Associated Press)
One of more than 250 bison, also known as American buffalo, is seen as it roams the hilltop Bison Bluff Farms owned by Clifton and Kim Howell in Cobden, Ill., on Sept. 20, 2005. The North American bison is continuing its cross-country stampede into restaurants, butcher shops and natural food...
One of more than 250 bison, also known as American buffalo, is seen as it roams the hilltop Bison Bluff Farms owned by Clifton and Kim Howell in Cobden, Ill., on Sept. 20, 2005. The North American bison...   (Associated Press)
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Related Links

Homepage of the National Bison Association
National Bison Association

Facts about the Bison
Defenders of Wildlife

Local paper covers the hunt
Jackson Hole Star Tribune

 
animal rights • wildlife • Wyoming • hunting • species • elk • bison

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