3 arrested for blocking bison hazing operation in Yellowstone Park

WEST YELLOWSTONE (AP) - Three activists from the group Buffalo Nations were arrested Wednesday for interfering with bison hazing operations near Yellowstone National Park, the Gallatin County sheriff's office said.

Buffalo Nations identified the three as Toni Thomas, 38, of Warrens, Wis.; Thomas Harnden, 28, of Detroit; and Jesse Haag, 17, of Milwaukee.

Sheriff's Capt. Don Houghton said Thomas and Harnden were arrested for obstructing the hazing operation, and Haag was arrested at the capture facility for criminal trespass when he tried to lock the gate to prevent bison from entering.

All three were released on bond, Houghton said.

Department of Livestock workers were chasing half a dozen bison six miles west of Yellowstone toward the trap at Duck Creek, about 10 miles north of West Yellowstone.

The department is capturing bison to test them for the livestock disease brucellosis, which can cause cattle to abort. In humans it can cause undulant fever. Animals that test positive for the disease are slaughtered.

Volunteers with Buffalo Nations have protested the hazing as a cruel and unnecessary measure. They argue that the bison pose no hazard to Montana cattle herds.