The Yellowstone Bison herd lawsuit represents a significant legal dispute between the state of Montana and the National Park Service (NPS) concerning the management of bison in Yellowstone National Park.
This lawsuit underscores the complex interplay between wildlife conservation, state interests, and federal authority.
What Is Yellowstone Bison Management Plan Lawsuit?
The Yellowstone Bison Management Plan lawsuit is a legal case filed by the state of Montana against the National Park Service (NPS). The lawsuit challenges a new management plan for bison in Yellowstone National Park, which was finalized in 2024.
Under this new plan, NPS allows a larger population of bison to live in and around the park. It also removes strict population limits and promotes relocating disease-free bison to Native American tribal lands instead of killing them.
Montana’s government disagrees with this approach. State officials argue that the new plan puts local cattle at risk of brucellosis, a disease that can cause cows to miscarry. They claim that federal agencies ignored state concerns and did not follow proper procedures.
Because of these disagreements, Montana filed the Yellowstone Bison Management Plan lawsuit in federal court. The case will decide whether the new bison management rules can remain in place or need to be revised.
This lawsuit reflects a long-standing conflict between wildlife conservation, public land policy, tribal rights, and livestock protection. Many environmental groups and Native American tribes support the new plan and have joined the legal battle to defend it.
Read More: Wakan Gli’s Whisper: The Sacred White Bison of Yellowstone
What Changed in 2024?
In August 2024, Yellowstone National Park finalized a new plan to manage bison. The plan came after years of public input, scientific research, and tribal consultation. Three options were considered. The National Park Service (NPS) chose the most flexible one. This plan allows the bison population to grow. It also gives the animals more freedom to roam outside park boundaries.
Under this plan, NPS can support a bison population of up to 10,000 animals. It removes the fixed population limits used in the older model. It also encourages transferring disease-free bison to tribal lands. This part of the plan supports Native American groups seeking to restore bison herds.
NPS received more than 27,000 public comments while creating the plan. Many people, including tribal leaders, wildlife groups, and environmental scientists, praised the update. They called it a step toward better wildlife management. But not everyone agreed. Montana’s state government strongly opposed the decision. That disagreement led to the Yellowstone Bison Management Plan Lawsuit.
The Lawsuit from Montana
On December 31, 2024, Montana filed a lawsuit against the National Park Service. Governor Greg Gianforte, the Montana Department of Livestock, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks joined together to take legal action. They argue that the new plan violates federal law. They also claim that NPS failed to consult with state officials properly.
The Yellowstone Bison Management Plan Lawsuit claims that Montana’s concerns were ignored. Officials say they were not given enough voice in the process. They are particularly worried about increased migration of bison into Montana. They fear this will raise the risk of brucellosis spreading to cattle herds.
Montana also criticized the plan for not requiring vaccination of bison. State leaders say this leaves livestock vulnerable. They argue that the new plan shifts too much focus away from disease prevention. These claims now form the heart of the Yellowstone Bison Management Plan Lawsuit.
Read More: When Bison Charge: Unraveling Yellowstone’s 2024 Goring Incidents and Safety Must-Knows
Conservation and Tribal Response
Not everyone sees the lawsuit as a step forward. Many conservation groups and tribal leaders are defending the National Park Service. The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes filed a motion to intervene in support of the new plan. Several organizations, including the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), joined them.
These groups say the new plan is based on modern science. They also argue that it gives tribes access to genetically pure, disease-free bison. This supports cultural revival and food sovereignty. The tribes have successfully relocated Yellowstone bison to their lands through quarantine programs. The new plan strengthens this process.
Supporters believe the lawsuit threatens decades of progress. They say Montana is relying on outdated fears. Instead of lawsuits, they want cooperation between state, federal, and tribal leaders. The Yellowstone Bison Management Plan Lawsuit has become a symbol of deeper tension between wildlife freedom and agricultural control.
Read More: Yellowstone Bison Population: Growth, Challenges, and Conservation
Current Status of the Yellowstone Bison Management Plan Lawsuit
As of April 2025, the lawsuit is still moving through federal court. No ruling has been made. While legal proceedings unfold, Yellowstone’s bison management continues. So far this season, around 400 bison have been removed. Some were hunted. Others were sent to slaughter. A group of 86 bison entered the quarantine program, making them eligible for future relocation.
The legal outcome could reshape how Yellowstone bison are handled for years to come. If the court sides with Montana, stricter control could return. If NPS wins, more bison could live freely outside the park. Either result will carry consequences for wildlife, ranchers, and tribal communities.
The Yellowstone Bison Management Plan Lawsuit is more than just a legal disagreement. It reflects how Americans view public lands, native wildlife, and indigenous partnerships. As courts consider both sides, many are watching closely. They know the outcome could redefine what it means to protect one of North America’s most iconic species.
Read More: The Cultural and Ecological Importance of Yellowstone Bison
Final Thoughts
The Yellowstone Bison Management Plan lawsuit highlights a deep conflict between wildlife conservation goals and state-level agricultural concerns. While the National Park Service seeks to give bison more freedom and support tribal partnerships, Montana fears that this approach increases risks to livestock and local lands.
Tribal nations and conservation groups see the new plan as a chance to restore balance, culture, and ecology. State officials believe their role in shaping the policy was ignored. Now, the future of bison management rests in the hands of a federal court.
Felipe M Bastian is a seasoned wildlife conservation expert with a deep focus on Yellowstone National Park’s bison herd and its ecological, cultural, and legal complexities. With over a decade of experience in environmental policy and wildlife management, Felipe has worked closely with park authorities, tribal communities, and conservation organizations to advocate for sustainable bison management practices. His insights into the Yellowstone Bison Management Plan lawsuit, tribal relocation efforts, and bison safety protocols stem from extensive field research and collaboration with stakeholders. Felipe’s writing combines scientific rigor with accessible storytelling, making him a trusted voice on Yellowstone’s iconic species. He holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife Biology and is passionate about preserving the ecological and cultural legacy of bison for future generations.
6 thoughts on “Yellowstone Bison Herd Lawsuit: Montana’s Legal Challenge to Park’s Management Plan”