Notice of Intent: How well do Yellowstone bison use the spring greenup conditions during migration to breeding areas?

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Successful management of migratory wildlife populations requires understanding the forces that shape migratory movements. Yellowstone bison provide a perfect example. Bison migrate from summer ranges within the park to important wintering areas in the State of Montana where there is limited tolerance for bison. Under current practices animals are confined to predetermined management areas and only allowed to use them during certain times of the year. Management is costly, time consuming, dangerous, and, at times, seemingly uneffective. Further, management-induced displacement of animals from desired habitats may negatively affect bison by altering diet. Understanding animal movements can help managers assess the appropriateness of defined tolerance areas and time periods, and identify potential negative effects of management on bison. This is particularly relevant, because Yellowstone National Park is developing a new bison management plan with the State of Montana.

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