Chronic Wasting Disease Hits Grand Teton National Park

Jackson, WY-- The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has diagnosed the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease in mule deer in Grand Teton National Park. The finding reveals the increasing spread of the wildlife killer in the state. Chronic Wasting Disease always proves fatal and could significantly affect deer and elk herds and the balance of wildlife in the world renowned Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

In response Lloyd Dorsey, Conservation Program Manager for Sierra Club’s Wyoming Chapter issued the following response:

“What we have predicted for a long time has unfortunately come to pass - Chronic Wasting Disease in a national park in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Wyoming is continuing to see the effects of decades of reckless wildlife management. Each winter, state-run elk feedgrounds and the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole cram vulnerable elk onto small tracts of land which serve as disease factories.

“Now more than ever, the state and federal government need to phase out these high-risk elk feedlots and allow wildlife to benefit from a far healthier, natural system. Wyoming officials must also recognize the role of native carnivores in helping cull sick animals and mitigate the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease and other diseases. Wolves, bears, mountain lions, and coyotes are our allies in mitigating the effects of this deadly disease.  Our outdoors and wildlife-watching economy is at serious risk if feedgrounds aren’t phased out quickly.”