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.

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.

Montana Updates Wolf Management Playbook as Hunting Bills Advance

April 3, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Wolves on the move in Yellowstone National Park

Wildlife managers release first wolf management plan in 22 years, set minimum baseline population to 450.

Federal NIH Cuts Hit Greater Yellowstone Disease Research

April 2, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

A tick comparison: The smaller deer tick, right, can carry Lyme disease. NIH confirmed in February the first deer tick in Montana

Lab workers studying tick expansion lose staff, resources involved in Lyme, chronic wasting disease, coronavirus research and related threats.

Inside the Battle Over the ESA

March 31, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Since the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973, has it been a winning or losing proposition? It depends on who you ask.

Wolves Need Federal Protection to Survive

March 24, 2025 // OPINION: Op-ed

by Writers on the Range

Bumper stickers supported by the anti-wolf contingent read, "Smoke a pack a day"

As wildlife proponents in January celebrated the 30th anniversary of wolf reintroductions to Yellowstone National Park, wolves remain under fire.

How Deep Does It Go? Future of Area Water Monitoring in Question

March 21, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

The future of Greater Yellowstone water monitoring USGS performs may be in jeopardy

With USGS offices in Greater Yellowstone among dozens of regional government buildings on the chopping block, DOGE savings efforts leave anglers wondering if streamflow monitors will survive.

Federal Appeals Court Sides with Corner-Crossing Hunters in Wyoming Dispute

March 19, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Amanda Eggert

Charges stem from a checkerboard of public and private lands in Wyoming

A three-judge panel upheld a lower court’s ruling in favor of four hunters facing civil trespassing charges.

Proper Protection or Perverse Incentive? Orgs Challenge ESA Process

March 14, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Centennial Valley, Montana, west of Yellowstone National Park

Two Montana nonprofits have filed suit against the Endangered Species Act’s ‘Blanket Rule.’

CWD Suspected in Dead Elk at Wyoming Feedground

March 12, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Sophie Tsairis

Elk feedgrounds are seeing increased cases of chronic wasting disease

As cases of the always-fatal disease increase, wildlife managers are grappling with complex management decisions.

Trump Administration Seeks to Unravel NEPA

March 7, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

Trump delivered a joint address to Congress: "Drill, baby, drill."

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 kept all agencies following the same guidelines. An expedited rule change could dismantle that system by April 11.