Bison Capture Operations to Begin at Stephens Creek

GARDINER, Mont. (AP) — Bison wandering outside the northern boundary of Yellowstone National Park can now be captured at the Stephens Creek facility.

The Interagency Bison Management Plan called for the facility to open on Monday. The management plan calls for removing 600 to 900 bison that migrate out of the park's northern boundary this winter to reduce population growth and the potential for a larger migration in coming years.

Hunters have killed more than 300 bison outside the park this winter, and tribal hunting is expected to continue, but likely wouldn't reach the management goal. Additional animals will be captured and transferred to tribal groups for slaughter and distribution of meat and other parts to their members.