Bison restoration efforts and grazing rights hinge on one question: Are bison wildlife?

By: Madison Stevens, Montana State University and Elizabeth (Libby) Lunstrum, Boise State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 4, 2026

Words: 1,585

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Madison Stevens, Montana State University and Elizabeth (Libby) Lunstrum, Boise State University

Bison are political animals. A federal decision to revoke grazing leases for bison on public lands on the rolling plains of eastern Montana is the latest manifestation of long-standing contention. The largest land animal in North America, bison are considered a “keystone” species, meaning they have high ecological and cultural importance.

The May 2026 decision represents a significant setback for a

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