Becoming Bear Aware in the West

June 4, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Across Greater Yellowstone and the West, bear managers are working to educate locals and visitors on the dangers of bears depending on human food

As state and federal wildlife agencies debate grizzly bear management, nonprofit groups work to build bear tolerance one trash can at a time.

What’s Driving the Obsession for Antlers?

May 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

Antlers come in all shapes and sizes and their growth and patterns are influenced by many factors

As interest and the market for antlers soars, elk, deer and moose ‘sheds’ are selling for $13 a pound, up nearly double over the past two decades.

Critiquing the Emperor in Grizzly Country

May 23, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Biologist David Mattson remembered for career of iconoclastic science on predators.

In Tragic Week for Grizzlies, Food-Conditioned Adult Euthanized in Yellowstone, Grand Teton Cubs Killed by Older Bear

May 20, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Katie O'Reilly

A grizzly paw print on a dumpster in Yellowstone National Park

The Yellowstone bear’s behavior, while considered rare and exceptional, spells danger for grizzlies across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Montana's Nighttime Sky Hunters Under Watch

May 16, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Nighthawks and poorwills are nocturnal birds whose populations are cratering. Now, citizen scientists are joining Montana Audubon and FWP to track the decline of these two aerial insectivores.

ESA's ‘Harm’: What’s In a Word?

May 15, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Canada lynx are among many species whose habitat could be harmed if FWS changes "harm" definition in the ESA

FWS proposes dropping ‘harm’ from Endangered Species Act regulations to speed up economic development on critical habitat.

Putting the Heat on Charismatic Microfauna

May 12, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

The "armored" Yellowstone tiger beetle thrives in 120-degree thermal pools

A Yellowstone beetle’s secret for withstanding scalding thermal pools could revolutionize human insulation.

A Case of Mistaken Identity? Some Hunters are Confusing Grizzlies with Black Bears

April 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

While some black bears and grizzly bears look decidedly different, some can be similar colors and sizes. Nevertheless, hunters mistaking grizzlies for black bears say they can do better.

Over the last decade, more than a dozen Greater Yellowstone grizzlies have been killed by hunters who say they mistook them for black bears.

Forest Service Braces for Restructuring as Timber Orders Add to Workload

April 25, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

A Forest Service memo calls for a 25 percent increase in timber production by July 4

Feds look to consolidate regional offices while planning to roll out new strategies over the next two months.

As CWD Spreads, Elk Occupancy Agreements Give Wyoming Elk Room to Roam

April 23, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Wyoming has a century-old tradition sustaining of elk on feedgrounds. Meanwhile, chronic wasting disease cases are increasing.

Wildlife managers say winter range agreements may be one pathway to reducing deadly disease transmission among elk on feedgrounds.

Rejecting Despair in the Arms of Nature

April 22, 2025 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

A mountain chickadee celebrates spring in Greater Yellowstone

In an effort to rise above a vicious news cycle, incessant politics and threats to our wildlife and public lands, MoJo columnist Susan Marsh seeks solace in nature and good friends.