International Attention
Bison attacks on tourists in Yellowstone National Park have made headlines. Courtesy of the University of Montana - Mansfield Library via Big Sky Country Digital Network.
The focus of international attention comes along with tourists to the Mountain West, which can be both positive and negative as local issues are debated in a public arena. One example is the scandal surrounding the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Organizers worked to ensure the success of an Olympic bid in order to bring tourists and revenue into the area. However, once their economic motives and means were put into question, the scandal got heavy international media coverage, which has left the events with a tarnished legacy.
Another hot-button topic, reintroducing wolves into wilderness areas, has garnered attention from both local ranchers and international animal activist groups. Hunting seasons for wolves have been established in some areas even as court battles continue over whether wolves should remain a protected species. Increasing numbers of animal attacks in Yellowstone National Park have also focused media attention on issues surrounding the potential dangers wolves pose to tourists.
