When you’re as big as a bison, you tend to ignore annoyances like people, fences and even cars.
This is become a problem for several communities in the Northwest Territorries.
Even as far back as 2010, the issue was begin raised by residents in the southwestern hamlets of Fort Liard, Lindberg Landing, and Nahanni Butte.
Fort Liard has a population of about 600, and the bison herd is estimated at aout 400. Residents say the animals have become a nuisance digging up gardens, and other property, and damaging planted trees.
There is also damage to cars especially in winter when they lick the road salt residue off vehicles. One elderly woman was recently trapped when a male bison leaned against the car door and wouldn’t move, also damaging the door.
Hillary Deneron says bison roam around Fort Liard year-round. She says people are fed up. “They’ll rub up against your mirrors and they’ll break your mirrors right off”, she says.
She notes that bison meat is not a traditional food and so only a few hunting tags are sought.
The issue has been brought up again in the Territorial Legislature.
Environment and Natural Resources Minister Michael Miltenberger said a Bison Management Strategy should be finished early next year.
In the past, officials noted that when there was emergency removal, the bison left town as they seemed to realize they were being targeted.
With files from CBC news , Elizabeth McMillan
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