03/28/08 Update:
The joint investigation into the shooting of bison in Park County continues, according to an update from Park County Sheriff Fred Wegener. "This has been a very complex case with many facets that need to be considered," Wegener said. The Sheriff added that they hope to have a decision in the case by next week and said, "The decision will affect a lot of lives in our community and is not being taken lightly."

On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, the Park County Sheriff's Office was called to investigate the shooting of several bison (commonly called buffalo in the U.S.) on land near Eleven Mile Reservoir in southern Park County. Deputies arrived to find a number of bison carcasses strewn over vast stretches of land.

Investigators have now determined that 32 bison were killed.

The private land on which some of the mass slaying occurred is part of the Hawn Ranch, according to an updated news release from the Sheriff's Office. The bison were owned by a neighboring ranch operated by Monte Downare.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office along with the local Colorado State Brand Inspector are continuing to investigate. No charges have been filed as yet, according to the Sheriff's Office.