---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2000 12:01:40 -0700 From: Buffalo Folks <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Stop the Slaughter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Buffalo Field Campaign Update 3/30 Buffalo Field Campaign Update 3/30 Madison River Bull Moves Back into Yellowstone, Comes Back Out The bull buffalo who has been grazing in a meadow on the Gallatin National Forest since early January returned to Yellowstone National Park today. The bull, who was the object of five unsuccessful Department of Livestock (DOL) hazing operations in January and February, crossed highway 191 and entered the park shortly after noon. Buffalo Field Campaign (BFC) volunteers stood by the highway and warned oncoming traffic of the bull's crossing. The buffalo didn't remain in the park long, however. Walking nearly a half mile into Yellowstone, the bison quickly turned around, came back into Montana, and started grazing along the highway, where it now stands. The bull's current position makes it particularly vulnerable to the DOL, who would have a much easier time hazing the bison along the highway to the buffalo trap at Duck Creek than they did when it was on the Madison, several miles from the highway. The bull is the only Yellowstone buffalo currently in Montana. Elk Injured by DOL's Fence Three miles to the north, along Duck Creek, an elk became entangled and injured this morning when it tried to jump a fence maintained by the DOL just outside Yellowstone National Park. BFC volunteers discovered the elk on the ground with its leg caught between the wires of the fence. After the leg was freed the animal slowly stood up and eventually limped away. The eight strand high-tension fence, erected and maintained by the DOL as part of its bison capture operations, is located in a prime migration corridor along Duck Creek. The fence affects all wildlife migrating through the area between Montana and Yellowstone National Park, not just bison. Such fences are illegal in Montana because of their deleterious effects on wildlife. The DOL was permitted to construct this fence due to "disease control" provisions in its management plan for Yellowstone bison. "This is yet another example of DOL policy interfering with the migrations of Yellowstone's wild fauna," stated BFC campaign coordinator Mike Mease. Herd of Buffalo Cows and Calves Moves Closer to Danger The herd of 17 bison, reported in last week's update, has moved to within two miles of the Montana border. Our reconnaissance patrols, who have been monitoring the herd's migration for the past week, report that the animals could enter Montana at any time. On Monday morning we conducted an aerial survey of the park and found several hundred buffalo within a day's walk of the boundary. Buffalo have traditionally migrated to Horse Butte in the spring to calve, where the DOL has approval to construct and operate a bison capture facility until April 30. Thanks to pilot Reggie Goodwin and Project Lighthawk for donating their services and allowing us to get this bird's-eye view of the herd. We would like to thank Sandra Karpie's third grade class for all the hard work they put in to ending the buffalo slaughter. These students, from Alden, NY, conducted thorough research on the issue and wrote moving letters to local and national newspapers, organizations, and key officials involved in the slaughter of Yellowstone's wild buffalo. Efforts like theirs will ultimately lead to protection of the Yellowstone herd. With so many buffalo near the boundary, we are gearing up for a busy spring. During the National Week of Action for the Buffalo, to be held April 22-30 near West Yellowstone, citizens from around the country will join us to shut down the DOL. We are expecting more than a hundred volunteers for the non-violent week of trainings and actions. If you would like to participate, or would like more information, please get in touch with one of our volunteer coordinators at the address below. With so many buffalo on the move and in danger, we need your support more than ever. Tell your friends and acquaintances about the slaughter of Yellowstone's bison, come to Yellowstone and volunteer with BFC, or support us through food, gear, or monetary contributions. We are a 501(c)3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. Thank you. Buffalo Field Campaign P.O. Box 957 West Yellowstone, Mt. 59758 Phone (406)646-0070 Fax (406)646-0071 E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.wildrockies.org/buffalo 4/14/00 is the last push deadline for the sign on to the National buffalo petition so we can present it during the Week of Action- Please pass the URL on to friends, family, press and newsgroups so that folks can get signed on!! http://www.wildrockies.org/buffpet/ Thanks for the earth! _________________________________ Schedule a showing of the Buffalo Compilation Video in your community. for more info: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Let us know at mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] if you will be showing it in your community during the National Week of Action in April! Let us know about any prayer ceremonies or demos that are planned also! Thanks! ___________________________________________________________ New info daily : http://www.wildrockies.org/buffalo BFC is the only group working 365 days a year in Yellowstone with the buffalo. 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