BLLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A coalition of environmental and American Indian groups sued two federal agencies Monday to stop the mass slaughter of bison that migrate outside Yellowstone National Park in search of food.

During the last decade, federal agencies working with the state of Montana captured and shipped to slaughter more than 3,300 bison to prevent the spread of an animal disease to cattle.

Critics of that program have tried — unsuccessfully — to stop the practice through lobbying of government agencies and appeals to Congress.

Now, they're asking a U.S. District Court judge to intervene. The lawsuit filed Monday would bar the National Park Service and Forest Service from participation in the slaughter program.