Schweitzer's order to halt bison slaughter draws reaction

HELENA - Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer took executive action on Tuesday to block the moving and slaughter of some of the captured Yellowstone Park bison which are being held in a holding pen.

YNP Spokesman Al Nash says they were surprised by Schweitzer's move and plan to talk to their attorneys on how to move forward on a bison plan.

Nash told Montana's News Station that of the 525 bison in a holding pen, 217 of them have tested positive for exposure to brucellosis. Those animals would likely have been shipped to kill.

While the state has participated in past slaughters, Governor Schweitzer says he wants to send a message to federal officials that a new approach is needed on managing bison.

He added that in the interim, Yellowstone National Park should bring in hay to feed the 525 bison captured as they migrated to lower elevations for food.

One of the best things that could be done is stop the slaughter of wolves...and let nature take its course in Yellowstone. But I'm glad Governor Schweitzer has once again demonstrated that he's willing to take on controversial topics and damn the torpedoes. He'd make a pretty good president, I think.