Since the cattle are not killed, there’s no donations to food banks. Nor can food banks here deal with an influx of 50 cattle. There’s no refrigerators for the meat, nor funds to butcher the cattle. Cattle are auctioned (cheaply, since it’s old), and local folks get to distribute stew meat to their friends and families.

The funds from the auction help pay for the cattle rustlers.

The problem is that the terrain is very tough going. If the park service of the area (BLM, Forest Service, National Park) could get the cattle out by a round up they would.

In my area of NM, we get cattle rangers to round up the feral cattle every 7 or so years. They auction off the cattle without brands. Feral cattle are quick, surprisingly quiet, and crafty dudes.

Last year we had an out of town runner get run over by one of our feral bulls. He didn't realize that you have to give them a wide berth. Even the cougars don't go after a full sized cattle. Deer are much easier prey...