An energy company says it has suspended plans to drill an exploratory oil and gas well after members of the Blackfeet Tribe who consider the area sacred and make visits for cultural ceremonies voiced opposition.

The Missoulian in a story published Sunday reports that Denver-based Anschutz Exploration Corp. has oil and gas leases across much of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation's western edge.

One site includes Red Blanket Butte, northwest of Browning and about six miles from Glacier National Park.

The energy company recently conducted an environmental assessment and learned of tribal concerns during a public comment period.

Company spokeswoman Margot Timbel says the environmental assessment process worked as intended.

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