A federal judge has denied a request to halt the planned capture and slaughter of bison migrating from Yellowstone National Park.

U.S. District Judge Scott Skavdahl on Friday turned down an injunction sought by a wildlife advocate and a journalist who sued to gain access to the slaughter program.

Federal and state officials plan to kill up to 900 bison this winter through slaughter and hunting. It's part an effort to prevent the spread of brucellosis, a disease carried by many bison.

During the capture operations, portions of the park are closed near its border with Montana. Public access also is restricted at a corral for captured bison.

Stephanie Seay with the Buffalo Field Campaign and journalist Christopher Ketcham claim in their lawsuit that the restrictions violate free speech protections

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