Court says bison transfer is legal: Decision based upon property rights reversed

The relocation of Yellowstone National Park bison to tribal lands in Montana can resume under a Wednesday ruling from the state’s Supreme Court that revives a stalled conservation initiative for the animals. That’s when a lower court sided with ranchers and property rights advocates, who sued to block further transfers of the animals after Montana wildlife officials moved more than 60 bison to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Critics said the move was illegal under state law. They argued wild bison damage fences, eat hay meant for cattle and potentially could spread animal diseases to livestock. In March of 2012, state district Judge John McKeon sided with plaintiffs and issued an order blocking future transfers of Yellowstone bison. The move effectively halted the restoration program. In Wednesday’s ruling, state high court justices came down on the side of the state, which had argued that the law in question did not apply to tribal lands...more