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Montana considers elk reductions to curb disease
AP
This Jan. 2012 photo provided by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks department shows agency workers testing a captured elk for the animal disease brucellosis south of Bannack, Mont. State wildlife officials are considering a plan to curb the disease around Yellowstone National Park by reducing the size of some elk herds, hazing them away from livestock and building elk-proof fences. (AP Photo/Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)
Posted 11/9/12
BILLINGS, Mont. — Montana wildlife commissioners have initially approved a broad plan to protect against animal disease around Yellowstone National Park.
The plan includes reducing elk herd sizes, hazing the animals away from livestock and even building elk-proof fences.
The proposals from a citizens' working group are meant to curb the spread of the disease brucellosis.
Thursday's adoption of the group's recommendations opens the plan to public comment.
Details not yet settled include which elk herds could be targeted and whether that would be done through normal hunting seasons.
Brucellosis has been eliminated elsewhere in the country but persists in wildlife in and around Yellowstone.
State officials have shied away from the capture and slaughter of diseased elk. That controversial approach has been used in Wyoming with some success but at great cost.