"U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Bison Protection Not Warranted"

"CHEYENNE, Wyoming -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided Thursday that wild plains bison do not deserve protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The Service announced a 90-day finding on a 2009 petition by private citizens James Bailey and Natalie Bailey to list the wild plains bison, Bison bison bison, or each of four distinct population segments, as threatened.

'Based on our review,' said the Service, 'we find that the petition does not present substantial information indicating that listing may be warranted.'

In its finding, the Service said, 'Wild plains bison are distributed in parks, preserves, other public lands, and private lands throughout and external to their historical range. The current population of wild plains bison is estimated to be 20,500 animals in 62 conservation herds. Recent population trends appear stable to slightly increasing in conservation herds (as noted by the petitioners).'"

Environment News Service had the story February 28, 2011.