3 Yukon bison died after slipping down icy hill, officials say

Conservation officers believe they have determined what caused the deaths of three bison found near Haines Junction early last month.

Their bodies were discovered southwest ofAishihikLake on Feb.9by contractors working in the area.

There was no sign of human interference.

"From the tracks in the snow, it appeared that a herd of bison had been on the top side of a ridge and started working their way down the hill and began sliding," conservation officerT.J. Grantham told Leonard Linklater, host of Midday Cafon CBC Radio.

Ice thicker than normal

It appears three of the bison slipped over a 4.5 metreembankment, before tumblinganother300 metresdown the hill.

Officers sayrain and freezing temperatures caused about 2.5 centimetresofice build-up in the area.

"We had that unusual weather pattern throughout the winter, and specifically up here in Haines Junction," said Grantham. "There's a thick layer of ice on those hillsides making things extremely slippery."

He said the iceis making things difficult for other animalsas well.

"I think all the animals that are depending on those slopes are going to be having a tough time this winter sheep, bison, deer anything that's trying to get through that thick layer of ice is going to be having a difficult winter for sure."

Grantham said officers left the dead bison behind, which should help a few other animals find something to eat.