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By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press Writer BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) The owners of a ranch bordering Yellowstone National Park have sold off their cattle in anticipation of a deal with federal and state officials that could stem the slaughter of bison leaving the park.

The deal calls for the purchase of grazing rights from the Royal Teton Ranch to create a corridor that some bison could use to access the Gallatin National Forest. Currently, all bison that exit the park are captured and sent to slaughter out of concern that they could transmit the disease brucellosis to livestock.

Kate Gordon, president of the Church Universal and Triumphant, said the grazing rights deal is expected to be announced Thursday.

The deal has previously been estimated at $2.5 million.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-16-08 1745CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list