Federal Budgets Reveal Plans to Consolidate Wildland Firefighting Forces

June 11, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Wildland firefighters look on as the Forest Service faces an uncertain future

The U.S. Forest Service would surrender wildfire duties to the Interior Department starting in 2026.

Inside the Science of Dousing Wildfires

June 10, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

A Neptune Aviation BAe-146 jet drops fire retardant

In the world of aerial firefighting, one MSU professor is looking at how science can transform the multimillion dollar industry of wildfire retardant. And save lives in the process.

Wyoming Eyes Higher Predator Quotas

June 5, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

In Wyoming, mountain lions and wolves are in the crosshairs

State wildlife officials propose expanded hunting limits on wolves and mountain lions, invite public comment.

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.

Locals Only? Tourism Forecasts Indicate Weak Demand For International Summer Travel

May 29, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

February-April traffic through the U.S.-Canada port of entry at Roosville is down 22 percent over the same time last year

With summer tourism season around the corner, Canadian and Chinese visitors are among those concerned about U.S. border policies and visa rules. Will that affect visitation numbers in national parks like Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier?

Montana Health Officials Monitoring Deer Ticks After 2024 Discovery

May 29, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Three deer ticks were discovered last year in two Montana counties

Lyme disease-prone ticks identified last year prompt surveillance effort from state health department, public encouraged to ID and report ticks.

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.

Wyoming Wildlife: Game and Fish Releases Revised Fencing Guide

May 21, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Countless miles of fencing across the West can cause barriers for wildlife migrations

Third edition of landowner handbook reflects updates in research and wildlife-friendly fencing options.

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.