Helicopter hazing of bison in Montana draws lawsuit

An environmental group is suing the U.S. Forest Service over plans to use a helicopter to drive bison from Montana into Yellowstone National Park. The Alliance for the Wild Rockies filed the lawsuit Wednesday in federal court in Missoula. State and federal agencies plan to start hazing up to 300 bison into the park next week to make way for livestock in the West Yellowstone area. The Helena-based alliance claims using a low-flying helicopter in the effort could harm grizzly bears in the area by causing them to panic and flee. Last week, the group filed a 60-day notice that it intended to sue over alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act. Wednesday's suit was based on different environmental laws that do not require advance notice of litigation. AP