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.

Forests of Immortal Stories

January 31, 2024 // OPINION: Essay

by Susan Marsh

Old-growth forests, whether in large continuous stands or scattered pockets, have long found refuge in Greater Yellowstone

In her latest essay, MoJo columnist Susan Marsh writes how ancient trees draw human love in Greater Yellowstone and across the globe.

Montana Files Intent to Sue Over Listing Wolverines Under ESA

January 29, 2024 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Johnathan Hettinger

Wolverines were listed as "threatened" last November. Now, Montana plans to sue.

The 15-page letter of intent to sue US Fish and Wildlife Service comes on heels of November 2023 decision to list wolverines as ‘threatened.’

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.

Call of the Mild

January 23, 2024 // NEWS: Dispatch

by David Tucker

Need snow? An unseasonably warm and dry winter thus far has left Greater Yellowstone thirsty

With regional snowpack at record lows and average temperatures well above normal, how are local wildlife coping with the unusual winter?

Homeward Bound

January 19, 2024 // NEWS: Film Review

by Julia Barton

Mule deer migrate hundreds of miles to winter grounds from Grand Teton National Park

A new documentary released by the Wyoming Migration Initiative chronicles the travel and travails of Grand Teton mule deer.

In Cadence: ‘Mni Wiconi’ and the Great Observers

January 16, 2024 // OPINION: Essay

by Sarah Comeau

The Yellowstone River runs north from Yellowstone National Park nearly 700 miles to its confluence with the Missouri

Recalling the 2016 Standing Rock demonstrations protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline, a Lakota woman reflects on the rhythm and power of water.

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 Past 30 Years in Yellowstone, Part 4: Mike Finley

January 9, 2024 // Interview Series

by Johnathan Hettinger

Mike Finley served the National Park Service for 32 years, including a trifecta of superintendent posts at three national parks

In the final installment of MoJo’s interview series with four Yellowstone superintendents, Mike Finley pulls no punches discussing the issues in our national parks.

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.

50 Years: How the Endangered Species Act Influenced Greater Yellowstone

January 2, 2024 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Julia Barton

Bald eagles were finally listed under the ESA in 1978

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, Mountain Journal looks at the landmark legislation’s impact on some of Greater Yellowstone’s keystone species.

In her poignant essay, MoJo columnist Susan Marsh reminds us of the important things in life as she reflects on the past year: to be bold, to be gracious, and to remember that the more we give, the more we receive.