Bison on the Loose in South Central ND

The Associated Press, staff
Published January 31, 2009

State veterinarians in North Dakota and South Dakota are investigating whether bison on a ranch that straddles the states' border are being mistreated. The herd of 6,000 animals belongs to the Wilder Ranch, part of a corporation owned by Maurice Wilder of Clearwater, Fla. Wilder was the country's largest individual recipient of federal farm subsidies from 2003 to 2005, according to the Environmental Working Group. Messages left at his corporate office Friday and Saturday were not returned. Landowners in south central North Dakota say bison that have crashed through fences have been running loose on their property for weeks. Sioux County State's Attorney John Gosbee said damages total at least $100,000. County Sheriff Larry Landeis said about 1,000 bison are ranging more than a dozen miles from the Wilder Ranch feedlots near the headquarters outside McLaughlin, S.D. "They've got 1,000 animals up here and they ain't getting fed," Landeis said. "There's no grass whatsoever, no water. They look malnourished and there's no meat to them." Bonnie Kemerling, whose husband, Jack, is manager at the ranch headquarters, said most animals were back in pastures by Thursday. "It's a heck of a time to get them back in. The snow storms piled up snow on the fences and the bison walked over," she said. Kemerling said she can understand the frustration of the ranch's neighbors. Dan O'Brien, who has oversight of the operation from Florida, was at the ranch Friday after being alerted by Sioux County authorities. South Dakota State Veterinarian Sam Holland said he also sent an investigator to the ranch on Friday. He said his office also investigated during a previous winter, and recommended more feed for the animals. North Dakota State Veterinarian Susan Keller said her staff also is looking into whether the Wilder Ranch has fence problems or starving animals. "It's very hard to access the animals. It's a tough winter and it's hard to get a look at them," she said. "Are they getting out because of snow-downed fences, or are they breaking out because they're starving? We need more access." Keller said her staff might use a helicopter to get a better look.