Grand Teton goat shoot suspended after stern governor letter [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Mead Gruver, Associated Press Updated 6:37 pm CST, Monday, February 24, 2020

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Grand Teton National Park officials have suspended efforts to shoot mountain goats from a helicopter after criticism from Wyoming's governor prompted Interior Secretary David Bernhardt to intervene.

Bernhardt told park officials to suspend the shooting Friday night, hours after the effort began and Gov. Mark Gordon called the helicopter shooting a “farce" in a letter to acting Grand Teton Superintendent Gopaul Noojidail.

“I have long appreciated Grand Teton National Park for the treasure it is to all our citizens. Now I hope I will not have to remember it as an example of federal disregard for the sovereignty of the states,” Gordon, a Republican, wrote.

. . .

The Park Service seeks to eradicate about 100 nonnative mountain goats for the benefit of about 100 native bighorn sheep, saying the goats compete with the sheep for food and habitat and can spread diseases including pneumonia to the native animals.

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Grand-Teton-goat-shoot-suspended-after-stern-15080623.php