"Groups Sue Over Elk Feeding In Wyoming, Citing Disease Issue"

"CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Environmental groups sued Monday to ramp down feeding of elk at a Wyoming wildlife refuge, saying the practice encourages disease.

The Sierra Club, National Wildlife Refuge Association and Defenders of Wildlife filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington, claiming that feeding alfalfa pellets to elk to help them survive harsh winter conditions causes them to concentrate in groups at the National Elk Refuge.

It says the contact could aid the spread of chronic wasting disease, a deadly neurological condition that causes elk, deer, moose and other animals to lose weight and become listless."

Mead Gruver reports for the Associated Press March 18, 2019.