Amid disease worry, groups sue over elk feeding in Wyoming
Environmental groups are suing to stop elk from being fed at a Wyoming wildlife refuge, saying the practice encourages disease.
The Sierra Club, National Wildlife Refuge Association and Defenders of Wildlife filed suit Monday in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.
The groups say feeding alfalfa pellets to elk to help them survive harsh winter conditions artificially concentrates the animals at the National Elk Refuge.
The groups say that could encourage the spread of chronic wasting disease. The deadly neurological condition causes animals including elk, deer and moose to lose weight and become listless.
Chronic wasting disease has spread to at least 24 states. Last fall, the disease turned up near the refuge for the first time.
Refuge officials didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.
