Montana Wildlife Officials Ask Wyoming to Stop Feeding Elk

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (AP) — Montana wildlife officials are asking their Wyoming counterparts to stop feeding elk after chronic wasting disease has appeared in the state.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission sent a letter last week to the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, saying their elk feeding practices could accelerate the spread of the fatal, contagious disease.

The Montana letter says officials respect how Wyoming handles its affairs, but management of the disease in Montana is affected by what happens in the neighboring state.

Wyoming Game and Fish commissioner Mike Schmid says he had not seen the letter as of Wednesday. He says it requires more discussion before a decision is made.