USDA’s Wildlife Services Under Microscope for Killing Grizzlies

November 25, 2024 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Laura Lundquist

Approximately 1,000 grizzly bears live in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, respectively

Montana federal judge rules the agency violated NEPA, orders EIS to analyze how its wildlife management practices affect grizzly bear connectivity.

High Density of Free-Roaming Horses Linked to Decline of Greater Sage-Grouse

November 19, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Roaming free. Two horses from the Adobe Town HMA in south-central Wyoming

A recent study explores the detrimental effects of large horse populations on chicks and juvenile birds.

Montana Free Press and Mountain Journal Join Forces

November 18, 2024 // MoJo News

by Montana Free Press and Mountain Journal

Mountain Journal and Montana Free Press formed a new partnership on Nov. 15

Editors emphasize power of collaboration to bolster reach, impact. MTFP's acquisition of MoJo amplifies public-interest journalism in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

CWD Detected in Ruby Mountains and Flathead Valley

November 11, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

CWD is a highly contagious neurological disease affecting the deer family, including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose

Montana FWP urges hunters urged to help track and mitigate spread of deadly chronic wasting disease.

The Battle Over Grizzlies and Grazing in Paradise

November 4, 2024 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Laura Lundquist

Grizzlies in Greater Yellowstone are feeling the squeeze from human activity, including development and livestock grazing allotments

Nine conservation groups file lawsuit against USFS in federal court, claiming grazing allotments in Paradise Valley could affect grizzly bear survival and connectivity.

The Mother We Shared: Reflections on the Life of Bear 399

October 30, 2024 // OPINION: Essay

by Kevin Grange

An author and first responder weighs the magnitude of the impact 399 had on her enamored followers, and examines how we can bridge the gap for bears and other wildlife as we walk forward without the Queen of the Tetons.

Yellowstone Officials Call for Near-Record Bison Removal

October 25, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Isabel Hicks

A herd of bison forages in Yellowstone's Hayden Valley

A new bison status report proposes a winter herd reduction of more than 1,000 bison from Yellowstone National Park.

Hunters Should Recognize Predators as Allies, not Competitors

October 18, 2024 // OPINION: Op-ed

Predators like mountain lions are critical to helping slow spread of diseases like CWD

If the whole of nature is good, writes Ted Williams in this op-ed, then no part can be bad. Wolves and cougars can help curb wildlife diseases.

Single-Use Plastics Ban on Bozeman Ballot

October 16, 2024 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Microplastics exist in more than half of Montana's rivers and streams

Following an initial disqualification, a ballot initiative on plastic bags proceeds to the polls in November.

Feeling Through Fire, Part 3: Seeking Truth in an Emotional Blaze

October 10, 2024 // MoJo Special Series

by Bella Butler

Wildland firefighting, much like journalism, can be a waiting game. Until it's not.

Two journalists and their attempt to unearth the truth behind wildfire. Part 3 in our series exploring our emotional relationship to wildfire.

The Ephemeral Beauty of Autumn

October 7, 2024 // OPINION: Column

by Susan Marsh

During the shifting of the seasons, columnist Susan Marsh writes that the small things can bring peace of mind.

Are Bison Numbers in Yellowstone Sustainable?

October 2, 2024 // OPINION: Op-ed

by Pete Bengeyfield

Bison graze in Yellowstone National Park near Lamar Valley

About 4,500 bison live in Yellowstone National Park. The National Park Service says it plans to manage for up 1,500 more but a former hydrologist writes in this op-ed that bison are already destroying park streams. Here’s what he says the Park Service should do.