Pair of Wildlife Diseases Detected in Montana Birds

February 2, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

Mourning doves and Eurasian collared doves are susceptible to the disease PPMV

Recent avian flu and pigeon paramyxovirus detections prompted FWP to issue a statement last month informing residents to be aware and diligent if they find dead birds.

Wolves: Love Them or Hate Them?

January 24, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

A recent study indicates that tolerance for wolves in Montana has grown since 2012

Results from a recent survey by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the University of Montana finds growing tolerance toward wolves among state residents.

2023 a ‘Good Food Year’ for Yellowstone Grizzlies

January 11, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

In October 2023, Grizzly Bear 566 weighed in at a whopping 716 pounds, three shy of the Greater Yellowstone record

Last fall, Grizzly 566 weighed in at a near record-breaking 700 pounds, Mountain Journal spoke with a grizzly expert for the latest in health and population trends for bears in Greater Yellowstone.

The Future of Drought in Montana

January 5, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

A barren wheatfield in Malta, Montana, after it was raided by migratory grasshoppers that thrive in drought conditions

Following a three-year planning process, Montana released an updated Drought Management Plan, seeking to foster drought resilience in the state and recognizing climate change as a driving factor.

Two Wyoming Elk Feedgrounds in Limbo Amid CWD Concerns

December 21, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

Wyoming Game and Fish manages 22 elk feedgrounds across the state

As Wyoming Game and Fish assesses the viability of two Wyoming elk feedgrounds, concerns over the spread of chronic wasting disease at forefront.

BLM Bans Lethal ‘Cyanide Bombs’ Used to Kill Predators

December 14, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

The EPA authorizes various federal and state agencies to use M-44 cyanide devices to kill canids, including wolves and coyotes

The ban, in place on 245 million acres for a minimum of five years, comes after M-44 cyanide devices killed non-target species including domestic dogs and injured humans.

Lethal Rotenone Plan Aims to Trade Wilderness Rainbows for Cutthroat

December 5, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

The plan to use rotenone would kill rainbow trout in Buffalo Creek to be replaced by cutthroat

After Custer Gallatin National Forest issued a decision to kill off rainbow trout with rotenone north of Yellowstone, a Montana group filed lawsuit against the Forest Service over plan to 'poison' Buffalo Creek.

Will Wolverines be Listed Under Endangered Species Act?

November 21, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

The fate of the wolverine lies in the hands of the federal government

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will make a determination about listing Lower 48 wolverines by Nov. 27

Montana unveils first wolf management plan update in 20 years

November 16, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

The Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan reflects changes in the wolf population over the past two decades

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission reduced this year’s quota from 450 to 313 wolves following slight population decreases since 2020.

Yellowstone, Montana Officials Disagree on Bison Management

November 13, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

As it turns out, bison don't know where invisible borders exist

Montana and Yellowstone National Park have disagreed for years about how to manage Yellowstone bison. Those tensions recently ratcheted up.

Wildland Firefighters: Slash and Burn?

November 9, 2023 // NEWS: In Short

by Julia Barton

On November 17, federal wildland firefighters face a fiscal pay cliff, which could be "calamitous" for America's forests

As wildfires rage hotter and spread faster, federal wildland firefighters are facing a fiscal pay cliff on Nov. 17, and with it a potential 50 percent slash in workforce.