Yellowstone Bison Herd Lawsuit: A 2025 Legal Battle Over Wildlife, Land, and Rights

Introduction to the Yellowstone Bison Lawsuit

The ongoing Yellowstone bison herd lawsuit has emerged as one of the most significant environmental and legal flashpoints in the United States in 2025. This highly publicized legal dispute centers around the controversial decision by the National Park Service (NPS) to implement a new bison management plan aimed at increasing the free-roaming bison population in and around Yellowstone National Park. The conflict between state and federal authority, Indigenous rights, ecological sustainability, and agricultural interests is at the heart of the lawsuit. The state of Montana filed the lawsuit, led by Governor Greg Gianforte, in opposition to what the state perceives as federal overreach. The outcome of this case could have sweeping implications for how the United States manages its wildlife resources, navigates intergovernmental power dynamics, and honors tribal sovereignty.

The History of Yellowstone Bison Management

Yellowstone National Park is home to the most prominent genetically pure and free-ranging herd of American bison (Bison bison) in the United States. These iconic animals have a storied past, narrowly avoiding extinction in the late 19th century due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Since then, their population has rebounded, thanks in part to conservation efforts within the park. However, managing this population has long been contentious. The Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP), established in 2000, was a collaborative framework among federal and state agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Montana Department of Livestock, and several Native American tribes. Its goal was to control the bison population to prevent the potential transmission of brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can spread to cattle, while allowing for migration and ecological freedom. Over the decades, the plan resulted in thousands of bison being captured or killed, sparking widespread criticism from environmentalists and tribal groups.

Details of the 2024–2025 Bison Management Strategy

In late 2024, the National Park Service approved a revised bison management plan to provide a more balanced and progressive approach to conservation. The plan sets a new population goal ranging between 3,500 and 6,000 bison, representing a significant increase from previous thresholds. It also emphasizes non-lethal methods such as relocation and reintroduction to tribal lands, moving away from controversial culling practices. The plan further integrates partnerships with Native American tribes, many of whom view bison as sacred animals and have long pushed for a more significant role in wildlife stewardship. According to the NPS, the revised plan aligns with the latest ecological research and acknowledges cultural values, climate change resilience, and the need for broader wildlife corridors. Yet, this shift in policy has ignited fierce opposition from state officials, cattle ranchers, and some residents in Montana.

The Lawsuit Filed by Montana State Leaders

The yellowstone bison herd lawsuit officially began when Montana’s governor and the state’s Department of Livestock filed a federal complaint in early 2025. Their argument hinges on three main pillars: the federal government’s alleged disregard for state authority, the perceived threat of brucellosis spreading from bison to cattle herds, and concerns about property damage and public safety in rural Montana. The plaintiffs argue that the new management plan was approved without adequate consultation or collaboration with state stakeholders and fails to address the legitimate risks posed to the agricultural industry. They also claim that the increased population target will allow bison to roam more freely outside park boundaries, potentially leading to increased human-wildlife conflict. The legal team for Montana insists that the National Park Service overstepped its jurisdiction and violated administrative procedures, demanding that the new plan be paused or revoked entirely.

Tribal Nations and Environmental Groups Intervene

In response to Montana’s lawsuit, several tribal nations and environmental advocacy groups have filed motions to intervene, aligning themselves to defend the federal plan. The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, actively involved in bison restoration efforts, argue that the lawsuit threatens Indigenous-led conservation initiatives and violates treaty obligations. For many Native American communities, the bison is not just a keystone species but a profoundly spiritual symbol of resilience and identity. Environmental organizations, such as the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and Defenders of Wildlife, have also spoken out, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity, ecological restoration, and science-based management. These intervenors highlight that Yellowstone’s bison are one of the last genetically intact herds, and any delay in implementing the new plan would set back decades of conservation progress.

Legal Battle Developments and Current Status

As of April 2025, the legal proceedings in the yellowstone bison herd lawsuit are ongoing. A federal judge in Missoula has heard preliminary arguments and is currently reviewing motions from both sides. While no definitive ruling has been made yet, the court has allowed tribal and environmental groups to participate in the proceedings, recognizing the broad public interest in the case. Observers note that this lawsuit may reach the appellate level, and possibly even the U.S. Supreme Court, due to the constitutional questions it raises around federal land management and tribal rights. Legal experts say the case could redefine the boundaries between state sovereignty and federal conservation authority, particularly when wildlife crosses jurisdictional lines. The next hearing will focus on the scientific and procedural validity of the National Park Service’s environmental assessment.

Impact on Local Communities and Ecosystems

The lawsuit has deeply polarized public opinion in Montana and surrounding regions. Ranchers and rural landowners fear the new plan will lead to more bison wandering onto private lands, damaging fences, competing with livestock for forage, and potentially spreading disease. Some communities near the park have supported stricter bison control measures, citing historical conflicts and economic pressures. On the other hand, supporters of the revised plan argue that bison are critical to maintaining ecological balance, supporting healthy grasslands, and restoring native biodiversity. Furthermore, the presence of bison in the wild had become a significant draw for eco-tourism, benefiting local businesses in and around Yellowstone. Advocates insist that better land-use planning, wildlife corridors, and brucellosis mitigation efforts can minimize conflict while allowing the species to thrive.

National Implications and the Future of Wildlife Law

The implications of the yellowstone bison herd lawsuit stretch far beyond the boundaries of Montana or Yellowstone National Park. At its core, this legal conflict poses pressing questions about how America should govern its public lands and migratory species in an era of climate change, growing biodiversity loss, and heightened tribal advocacy. Wildlife managers, conservationists, and Indigenous leaders across the country are watching the case closely. If the court sides with the federal government and upholds the revised plan, it could shift toward more inclusive, science-driven approaches prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term economic interests. Conversely, a ruling favoring the state could reinforce existing barriers to wildlife mobility and limit federal agencies’ ability to implement ambitious conservation strategies. In either outcome, the case sets a legal precedent to influence how other species, such as wolves and wild horses, are managed on federally controlled land.

Conclusion: What’s at Stake for Yellowstone Bison

The yellowstone bison herd lawsuit represents a pivotal moment in the history of American conservation. More than just a legal scuffle over management practices, it is a multifaceted battle involving environmental science, Indigenous sovereignty, state politics, and the future of wildlife in the West. At stake is the fate of one of North America’s most iconic species and the values and principles that guide natural resource stewardship in the 21st century. As court proceedings unfold, stakeholders from all walks of life—ranchers, tribal elders, biologists, and tourists—are watching closely. Once driven to near extinction, the bison now stands at the center of a new frontier in environmental law. The hope is that this case leads to a resolution that honors the past, respects diverse voices, and ensures a thriving future for Yellowstone’s wild heart.

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