Audio Clip
Bison Cause Problems At The Grand Canyon
USDA.gov
Many say the bison should be relocated outside park boundaries, where they can't harm protected wildlife, geology and archaeological sites.
In recent years a herd of bison have made the Grand Canyon home. And they’re causing some problems. The park is looking to the public for input.
In the early 1900s rancher Charles “Buffalo” Jones attempted to breed bison with cattle to create a superior livestock north of the Grand Canyon. His attempts were unsuccessful.
Eventually the state of Arizona bought these animals and allowed them to be hunted. That’s when the herd pioneered their way onto park land where there’s no hunting allowed.
“Bison are trampling some of the wet areas, walking through archaeological sites,” said Diane Chalfant, Grand Canyon’s Deputy Superintendent. “They like to roll in the dust. When they do that they open up areas to new vegetation moving in invasive species.”
The park service is taking public comments about what should be done with the bison until early June.
