Road ecology blog: Wildlife warning sign, Bison, US Hwy 89, Gardiner, Montana, USA
Road ecology blog: Wildlife warning sign, Bison on road, next 5 miles, US Hwy 89, northern edge of Gardiner, Montana, USA
Having bison on and along a highway outside of the Park comes with its challenges. Posted vehicle speed and operating speed (actual vehicle speed) are higher than in the Park, and bison are very large and heavy. This exposes both people and bison to a greater risk of collisions. On the other hand, we - as a society - find free ranging livestock, including cattle and horses, acceptable in many areas throughout the west. In fact, according to the law in some states, the driver is to blame when he or she hits cattle or horses that are on the road in such areas. Drivers cannot sue the livestock owner for damages, bodily harm or unlawful death, but instead drivers have to reimburse the livestock owner for the death or injury of the livestock. In this context, the size and weight of bison and their possible presence on and along highways is not unique and therefore not the primary reason for why bison would not be allowed to roam free outside the Park.
Click here for additional images of bison outside of Yellowstone National Park in the Gardiner Basin.
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Wildlife warning sign, Bison on road, next 5 miles, US Hwy 89, northern edge of Gardiner, Montana, USAWildlife warning sign, Bison on road, next 5 miles, US Hwy 89, northern edge of Gardiner, Montana, USA