CLOSE

Northern Arizona is home to a herd of bison that attracts tourists, but worries environmentalists. Here’s what you need to know about the bison herd near the Grand Canyon.
Wochit

If you meant to weigh in on the Grand Canyon bison herd, and kept putting it off, you still have time.  

The National Park Service announced earlier in the spring that it was seeking comments on bison herd reduction. The agency had said a website that accepts comments would shut down on Wednesday, May 31, but is expected to be back on line Monday, June 5. Comments will be taken online from then until June 14.

To submit your comments online, go to parkplanning.nps.gov/grca_bison

The agency has struggled with the growing herd for more than a decade as the bison, which are popular with tourists but generally not considered a native species, took up permanent residence in the park, where they damaged watering holes, archaeological sites and other resources. 

Conservationists consider them a threat to the Canyon ecosystem.

The animals, which are found on the North Rim of the Canyon, are descended from buffalo brought to northern Arizona in the early 1900s and cross-bred with cattle. 

READ MORE:

The story behind Grand Canyon National Park’s bison bind

Native to Arizona or not? Groups clash over Grand Canyon bison herd

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

 

 

 

 

Read or Share this story: http://azc.cc/2rJhXsS