In the early 1900s, a rancher conducted a breeding experiment that resulted in a cattle-buffalo hybrid called beefalo. Also known as cattalo, the unruly animals still exist and are now causing major problems in Arizona.
Once relegated to designated wildlife areas, they have now moved into the Grand Canyon National Park. While hunters with a special permit can shoot up to 65 beefalo per year, hunting is illegal in the park, leaving hundreds of beefalo to roam with impunity.
And they are making their presence known. They have destroyed meadows, disrupted Mexican spotted owl habitats, and damaged Native American historical sites. While officials agree that the problem must be addressed, they diverge when it comes to the best course of action. The Arizona Game and Fish Department would ultimately like to reduce the population to 100 from its current 450.
Culling is one solution, though it would be strongly opposed by animal rights activists. Another option is to herd the animals to a new location, though this could prove difficult and there would be nothing to stop the creatures from coming back. Predator management has been suggested, such as when wolves were introduced to control the elk population in Yellowstone National Park. But whereas wolves were historically native to Yellowstone, it is unclear if there is a suitable native predator for beefalo.
To explore these and other options, the National Park Service is beginning a series of open meetings. The goal is to create an action plan that they will implement in the fall of 2016. Until then, the beefalo roam free.
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Web Links
Beefalo Are Destroying the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon struggles to repel invading beefalo
Photo, taken June 4, 2013, courtesy of Shannon via Flickr.
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Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Support for Earth Wise comes from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY.