Jackson bison herd above goal population

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Publication: petsville.com

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

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Location: Moose Wyoming

Abstract: MOOSE, Wyo. (AP) _ The annual bison count for Grand Teton National Park tallied 627 animals. Six hundred were on the National Elk Refuge, and the rest were scattered around the park. The park's population goal is 400. Last year, 552 bison were counted on the refuge and 129 calves were born in the spring, according to Steve Cain, Grand Teton's senior wildlife biologist. The herd's number 627. While hunting is not allowed in either the park or the refuge, a limited number of licenses is issued to hunt bison as they move between the park and the refuge. Cain said 41 animals were taken in last fall's hunt, which he described as "pretty successful.'' A bison hunt on the refuge was part of an interagency bison management plan released in 1997, but the Fund for Animals sued and a judge sent the plan back to the drawing board. Cain said the grazing situation in the park has become increasingly complex as bison compete for forage. The growing number of bison can affect vegetation and displace other species, especially elk, from some of the best grazing areas. The herd, however, is expected to keep growing.

Keywords: Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Teton County, National Elk Refuge, animal, mammal, ungulate, bison, Bison bison, human activity, hunting, population, mortality, food , forage, habitat, Cervidae, elk, wapiti, Cervus elaphus