The bison are not overpopulated.  They are growing to their original numbers before European invasion of Turtle Island, but unfortunately the government and the cattle industry wants the numbers kept low.  The point of this current proposed cull is to keep the bison from ever recovering their numbers.  My personal connection to the bison in Yellowstone runs deep. In a recent status report, officials at Yellowstone National Park have proposed a plan that strikes a blow to my heart – the removal of 25 percent of the park's bison population this winter. An astounding number of approximately 1,375 bisons, almost reaching the distressing record-high removal number we witnessed in 2022-2023.

This proposal, soon to be looked over by agencies collaborating on bison management at the Interagency Bison Management Plan meeting, caters to an unwelcome path for these majestic creatures. With the rapid decline in bison populations, this winter's projected removal could result in irreparable damage to the ecosystem they help thrive.

Their story, eloquently narrated by Isabel Hicks in her debut with Mountain Journal, deserves much more than a muted response. They are symbolic icons of the wild, intrinsically intertwined with the identity of Yellowstone. Their systematic removal infringes on their right to exist and it diminishes the unique character of our national park.

Awareness and action are the first steps to a solution. It is pivotal that we voice our opposition to this proposed plan and insist on a more sustainable solution for managing bison populations in Yellowstone National Park. Let's stand together and tell park officials that this proposal is unacceptable. Sign this petition to show your support and help prevent this winter's proposed bison removal.