Daily Darwin

Apparently there was a misunderstanding over whether she was supposed to fall forward or fall back....

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Cowboy State Daily is Wyoming’s largest newspaper with Wyoming’s most experienced journalists. 

<title>Daily Darwin: Saturday, March 30, 2024 | Cowboy State Daily</title>

Daily Darwin: Saturday, March 30, 2024

 Apparently there was a misunderstanding over whether she was supposed to fall forward or fall back....

Heinz mark

Mark Heinz

Outdoors

Wildlife

A hiker probably couldn't have done anything more to save himself when he surprised a grizzly at close range in the dark in Glacier National Park on May 3 and was subsequently killed, a seasoned bear-country trekker told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday.

Anthony Pollio, 33, of Davie, Florida, used bear spray at some point during the attack “but it is unknown if and where the spray contacted the bear,” according to an incident report from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. 

The attack likely occurred between 9:15 and 10 p.m., when Pollio was hiking down the Mt. Brown lookout trail, the report states. He suffered fatal bit wounds to his head. 

“Darkness and deadfall on the trail would have prevented the bear and Mr. Pollio from seeing each other until they were very close,” according to the report. 

Pollio might have been using his cell phone light to illuminate his path, but it isn’t known whether he was making any noise before encountering the bear, the report says. 

Outdoor adventurer Michael Hodges was in Glacier at the time, and said he avoids hiking before dawn or after dark whenever possible. 

“I’m not saying he (Pollio) did anything wrong,” said Hodges, a novelist and internet personality.

He said Pollio, who was described by friends and family as an experienced outdoorsman, probably didn’t set out with the intent of staying out past dark. 

Letting the day get away while enjoying the backcountry and hiking out later than planned is a mistake even experienced outdoors people sometimes make, Hodges said.   

Running into a grizzly on a narrow trail in the dark is a “worst-case scenario,” Hodges said. “That’s a nightmare scenario.” 

“No bear spray, no gun is going to save you in a situation like that,” he added. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Brief, Intense Attack"}]

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee includes officials from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the National Park Service and other agencies. 

The committee’s report on the investigation of the site where Pollio’s body was found May 6 indicate 

, by an adult male grizzly, was brief and intense. 

His body was found about 69 feet below the trail and about 2.5 miles from the trailhead. 

During the attack, Pollio “fell or was thrown downhill” off the trail about 93 feet during the initial contact with the bear, according to a detailed incident report from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. 

“His path was littered with personal effects beginning 10 ft (feet) below the trail. We believe the bear followed Mr. Pollio downhill, continuing the attack. Spatters of blood increased in frequency and volume down the hill,” according to the report. 

One of Pollio’s ears was found about 40 feet downslope and a large pool of blood marked the end of his descent, the report states. 

“Based on blood marks and the orientation of branches, it appears as though Mr. Pollio managed to climb back up slope approximately 18 ft, at which point the bear re-engaged and inflicted the fatal bites to Mr. Pollio’s head,” the report states. 

There was no evidence of “predation” on Pollio’s body and the bear apparently left immediately after the attack, the committee reported. 

Pollio’s last known communication was a text message sent to girlfriend at 8:20 p.m. May 3 from about .9 miles up the trail from the attack site, according to the report. The text indicated that he expected to make it back to the trailhead around 11 p.m.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Bears Use Trails Too"}]

Bears are smart enough to “take the path of least resistance,” so they like using hiking trails, Kim Titchener, founder of the Bear Safety and More organization in Canada, told Cowboy State Daily. 

Bears like to avoid people and will use hiking trails at times when people typically don’t, such as before dawn or after dark, she said.

That’s can make hiking on trails during those times particularly dangerous, she said. 

The trails in Glacier  have “lots of switchbacks” and blind corners with thick vegetation, she said. 

That can make surprise close encounters more likely, and bears might react defensively in those situations, Titchener said. 

Grizzlies usually attack to “neutralize a perceived threat” and will stop once they realize a person is no longer a threat, she added. 

In many cases, “playing dead” will stop a grizzly attack, she said.

It’s best to hike during the daylight, in groups, “making lots of noise,” Titchener said. 

Hodges agreed that bears in Glacier like using hiking trails at odd hours, usually in the dark, and so he tries to avoid being on the trails at those times. 

The attack on Pollio was most likely the result of bad circumstances, he said. 

But he’s observed other hikers in Glacier displaying bad behavior. 

“They’re spending 10 minutes filming themselves out hiking and not paying attention to what’s going on around them,” he said. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Glacier is no place for that, Hodges said."}]

“This is a national park that has the same number of bears as Yellowstone, in an area that’s about half the size of Yellowstone,” he said. 

Glacier grizzly v2 7 22 26

<title>"Nightmare Scenario": Victim Of Glacier Grizzly Attack Likely Surprised Bear In The Dark | Cowboy State Daily</title>

Officials concluded Tuesday that a 33-year-old man likely surprised a grizzly in the dark before he was killed in Glacier National Park in May. Running into a bear in the dark is a “nightmare scenario,” said an outdoorsman who was in the park at the time.

"Nightmare Scenario": Victim Of Glacier Grizzly Attack Likely Surprised Bear In The Dark

Headshot of Cowboy State Daily's general assignment reporter, Clair McFarland.

Clair McFarland

Politics

Government & Politics

The Wyoming Republican Party’s decision to buck tradition, and maybe state law, by 

 before the primary election is sparking controversy and consternation for some.

The GOP state central committee voted Monday night to endorse Brent Bien for governor, Chuck Gray for U.S. House, and Harriet Hageman for U.S. Senate. Also: Tom Kelly for Superintendent of Public Instruction, Scott Smith for state Treasurer and Rachel Williams for Secretary of State – all over their respective Republican opponents.

That could alienate numerous candidates and their supporters, said Rodger McDaniel, a former legislator who had tried, in 1977, to stop the passage of the law the party is potentially flouting.

“This is the kind of thing that really tears a political party up,” said McDaniel, who served in the Legislature as a Democrat and now says he's a Republican-in-name-only. “To make those endorsements when you have other Republicans running, that’s not going to go easy.”

State Party Chair Bryan Miller has countered in both a press release and an email interview, saying the party respects the “fiercely independent, discerning” voter base.

"This process is not about party leadership picking winners and losers, nor is it about telling anyone how to vote,” Miller said in a Tuesday statement to Cowboy State Daily. “It is about transparency.”

Miller emphasized that the state party’s platform – 80% approval of which was the entry ticket to participate in the endorsement process – was written and passed “by grassroots delegates from all 23 counties.”

People elect their Republican neighbors to GOP precinct committee positions. Those officials then elect their state delegates.

“Our endorsement simply highlights candidates whose platform pledges and track records most closely align with those grassroot conservative principles,” added Miller.

[{"type":"text","text":"‘You’re The Insider Now’"}]

McDaniel’s prediction is manifesting, through recent statements by a few – though not all – of the non-endorsed candidates.

Senate President Bo Biteman, who’s running in a 10-candidate field against Gray for U.S. House, did not seek the party’s endorsement.

Though ranked conservative by many of its vetting committee’s metrics, Biteman didn’t return the party’s questionnaire, so he wasn’t eligible for endorsement.

He told Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday that party leadership and their favorites are coalescing into a group of insiders.

“Republicans have always stood against that kind of crap,” said Biteman. “We’ve always, you know, looked at the Democrats and laughed at them for doing what they’ve done … We’re becoming what we railed against.”

[{"type":"text","text":"Biteman mixed Gray into his critique."}]

“Now we have a new establishment. Like Chuck Gray comes on your show and rails against the ‘woke wind,’ the ‘liberal media’ and the ‘insiders,’” said Biteman. “Well Chuckie-boy  you’re the insider, buddy. I don’t know how else to tell it to you.”

Biteman has served in the state Legislature for a decade. He recalled being part of an anti-establishment conservative movement that gained momentum after 2014 to buck "party insiders." 

"Things do have an equal and opposite reaction. So when you get into power you've got to use it wisely. You've got to use it fairly," he said. "Or else you won't have it for very long." 

[{"type":"text","text":"‘Insiders,’ And ‘Leftwing Media’"}]

Gray in a Wednesday text message said the party’s endorsement of him reflects a “record of standing with Wyoming Republicans, advancing the conservative movement, and delivering real victories — not just talking about them," and said he’s put principles ahead of political convenience.

Gray pointed to his backing of numerous election-reform bills, and again derided an unspecified group of “insiders.”

“I took on the political insiders, the out of control leftwing media, and the special interests when they tried to destroy me because I refused to back down from conservative principles,” said Gray.

Gray asserted that he “made sure that President Trump remained on the ballot.”

Colorado litigants had tried to remove Trump from that state’s ballot in 2024. Gray filed amicus briefs to dispute that, including about one of 76 amicus briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court case.

The move prompted a controversy on the House floor about whether Gray could use state money for out-of-state litigation, which then ballooned into an unsuccessful defamation suit, as Gray’s allies had claimed some lawmakers who voted to curb his spending power had “voted to keep Trump off the ballot.”

Gray asked Wednesday, “Where were the other candidates in this race when that fight was happening?”

“It's not surprising that some candidates are disappointed they didn't earn the party's endorsement,” said Gray, adding: “But I've never believed conservative leadership is measured by complaints after a vote — it's measured by the work you've done and track record.  I've shown that I work hard to advance the priorities of the people of Wyoming.” 

Gray is running for the nomination against Biteman, philanthropist Steve Friess, Casper businessman Reid Rasner, Teton County-based attorney Frank Chapman, military veterans Kevin Christensen and David Giralt, former legislator Keith Goodenough, former state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow, and the self-described “pragmatic” Republican Richard Dodson.

[{"type":"text","text":"The primary election is Aug. 18."}]

Christensen was vocally critical of the party’s process. The state central committee had approved its candidate vetting committee to consider candidates’ donations to the party.

[{"type":"text","text":"Christensen worried aloud this lent the perception of “pay to play.”"}]

Crook County GOP Chair Mark Koep disputed the assertion Monday, suggesting Cowboy State Daily retract Christensen’s statement.

Treasurer Curt Meier, who did not win endorsement, had scored higher in party donations than his opponent Rep. Scott Smith.

[{"type":"text","text":"Koep pointed to that."}]

However, Cowboy State Daily learned by obtaining the vetting committee’s chart after the meeting, all the other endorsed candidates scored either equal to or better than their non-endorsed foes on the party donations metric.  

That was just one of many metrics. The party also considered legislative record breakdowns, past political involvements and other factors.

[{"type":"text","text":"The Call To Serve Our Country"}]

The vetting committee recommended an endorsement for Giralt as well as Gray.

Giralt came narrowly within winning a statement of “support,” but it failed by one vote.

In a Tuesday statement he thanked the party for its consideration and said he’s

grateful for the support we’ve received from Republicans across Wyoming.”

The party’s considerations of political activity, giving, and legislative records might disadvantage military veterans, both Giralt and Christensen have noted.

“I respect the committee’s decision, but I don’t believe anyone should be penalized for answering the call to serve our country, and I won’t apologize for serving mine,” said Giralt. “If my time away from Wyoming was spent defending the freedoms we all cherish, that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Balow told Cowboy State Daily in a Wednesday phone interview that she filled out the party’s questionnaire as a gesture of transparency for the voters.

But, Balow said, she had announced publicly that she wouldn’t accept the party’s endorsement, if given.

“The (Gray) endorsement comes as no surprise,” she said. “But honestly it’s not something that I think Wyoming will pay a great deal of attention to.”

Balow said she’s spoken with Republicans across the state who believe Wyoming GOP leadership isn’t representative of party generally.

“The heart of it is that the Wyoming people should choose their nominees – not the party,” she said. “And that’s the process that’s kept our state red and strong for years.”

If the state GOP decides at some point to take over nominating power from the voters, it will need a law change to do so. 

[{"type":"text","text":"Biteman called the endorsement maneuver a step in that direction."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"“Thank God we can still vote,” Biteman said Tuesday."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Only Democrats Opposed This"}]

It’s been at least 49 years since Wyoming let its major parties financially back their favorites in the primary election.

The late state Sen. Robert Frisby, a Park County Republican, sponsored a bill in 1977 creating numerous election restrictions. 

One of them says: “No political party funds shall be expended directly or indirectly in the aid of the nomination of any one person as against another person of the same political party running in the primary election.”

Miller told state GOP convention attendees in April that the law has been interpreted as a ban on endorsements.

He asserted in a Wednesday email the law doesn’t work that way, however.

It’s a point of debate. McDaniel said he’s unsure if the law bans endorsements, though he acknowledged indirect expenses can be associated with vetting and announcing endorsements.  

State GOP leadership is now suing Gray in his official capacity to get the law overturned. The party leaders say the law violates parties’ First Amendment rights.

[{"type":"text","text":"McDaniel said he’s not sure how the court challenge will end."}]

[{"type":"text","text":"Only Democrats, including McDaniel, voted against the bill in 1977."}]

It cleared the Senate with 18 in favor, 11 against and one excused; it passed the state House 42-19, one excused.

Then- state Rep. Al Simpson, a Park County Republican who went on to serve Wyoming in Congress, voted aye.

In McDaniel’s recollection, the party rule didn’t offend the Democrats, but another provision of the bill did. That was a ban on trade unions supporting candidacies, which remains in place today.

“Actually, the idea of parties not endorsing is a pretty good idea,” McDaniel reflected on Wednesday.

“What’s going to be more interesting though is the impact it has internally on the party,” he added. “When you endorse somebody you’ve made five or six others really unhappy. And they all have constituencies and they all have members of the party apparatus that will be unhappy. So it doesn’t seem to me to be a very prudent move.”

[{"type":"text","text":"Blaming Others"}]

Miller answered the candidates’ critiques in a Wednesday email to Cowboy State Daily.

“I understand why any candidate who is not endorsed or who self-eliminates by their refusal to participate in the vetting process set in place would want to find fault in our vetting and endorsement process or create doubt in the public's mind as to its validity,” wrote Miller.

“That line of thought is politics as we know it today,” said Miller, adding that candidates blame others for their shortfalls.

Miller sought to “remind all of these facts,” and pointed to the party leadership’s selection by precinct committee people at the “neighborhood level” – and more than 600 elected delegates to the state convention passed the bylaw calling for this endorsement process.

“The 74 elected state level members of the Wyoming State Republican Party Central Committee … are duty bound to execute said processes,” wrote Miller.

The April state convention in Douglas was fraught with controversy, however.

A motion to amend the floor rules descended into confusion as party leaders, the party’s attorney and delegates debated fine points of Robert’s Rules of Order that at one point had Miller asking rhetorically, “Is that clear as mud?”

“Because there’s lots of confusion here, let’s have our legal counsel explain things again,” Miller said as the nearly 300 delegates tried to finalize how to consider changes and amendments presented by the party’s Bylaws Committee.

At one point during debate, Miller expressed that much of the debate was over rules of order that had already been set.

“That’s the point, people are trying to modify the rules,” Miller said, later adding, “does everyone understand where we are?”

Wilkins informed the meeting that 30 minutes of the two hours slotted for bylaws debate had already passed with delegates still hashing out how to debate the proposed bylaws.

Biteman Gray 7 22 26

<title>Biteman Criticizes GOP Endorsements, Says Chuck Gray "Chuckie-Boy" Is Establishment | Cowboy State Daily</title>

U.S. House candidate Bo Biteman is one of many criticizing the Republican Party's decision to endorse candidates. He called Chuck Gray, who sought and received the endorsement, the establishment. "Well Chuckie-boy you’re the insider, buddy," he said.

Biteman Criticizes GOP Endorsements, Says Chuck Gray "Chuckie-Boy" Is Establishment

Headshot of Cowboy State Daily's business and tourism reporter, Renée Jean

Renée Jean

Wyoming Life

Cheyenne Frontier Days' new “skybox” experience might be two or three stories above the rodeo action, but somehow that action feels closer than ever.

It’s a curious paradox, hard to explain until you’ve seen it yourself.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Maybe it’s the view."}]

It’s full-on. It’s literally over the top. Your eyes stretch from one end of Cheyenne’s historic outdoor arena — the largest outdoor rodeo arena in the world — to the other end, with no obstructions. 

Stand or sit wherever you want. It doesn’t matter. The view will still feel as if you’re a king or a queen, looking down on creation. Fix your gaze anywhere you like.

Or maybe it’s the sound, wired straight into the box and wrapping itself around spectators. 

It’s immersive — pounding hooves, foot-stomping music, the cheering crowd. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Like some kind of rodeo dream."}]

The announcer’s voice rolls over it all like thunder.

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"Long Overdue Leap"}]

Cheyenne Frontier Days has been delivering world-class rodeo competition since 1897, drawing elite cowboys and top-tier musicians to the “Daddy of 'em All.” 

Until now, however, the venue has lacked a true, modern skybox experience. While the grounds previously offered limited, basic, upper-level VIP areas, the new complex marks a much bigger leap into premium hospitality. 

CFD CEO Tom Hirsig has told Cowboy State Daily the $8 million multi-level facility was a long-overdue necessity. 

What CFD had previously was essentially a weathered wooden box above the ropes that Hirsig said had “far outlived its life expectancy.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"Fixing it would be a huge challenge. "}]

But it also presented an opportunity — one that could support the rodeo’s future.

“One of the things we recognized is the need for VIP experiences,” Hirsig said. “Those are the fastest things that go, if there’s some sort of VIP area.”

A VIP area done right not only supports itself, it also helps chip away at deferred maintenance, he said. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"From Sliders To Shade"}]

 VIP experiences had room for roughly 25 sponsors, as well as a rooftop area that could accommodate about 70 people.

Now there’s room for about 450 in a mix of VIP boxes that are perfect for parties of around 30, along with individual seats that cost $125 each for those who aren’t part of a large group.

The private VIP box suites all come pre-stocked with snacks and drinks. Guests can also order a range of catered items. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the skybox occupied by Nate Janousek and his family felt as if a family living room had been dropped over Chute 9. The children leaned against the rail to watch broncs explode from the chutes, while parents huddled over drinks and plates piled with brisket sliders, wings, and corn dogs. 

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"}],"text":"There were smiles all around."}]

“This was all really good,” Janousek told Cowboy State Daily. “There’s tons of catering options, and everything we’ve had has been terrific.”

Janousek, who provides concessions at CFD, comes to the rodeo every year, but Tuesday was family day for him, so he decided to do something special. 

“The view above Chute 9 is incredible for the steer roping events and the steer wrestling,” he said. “And then just the ability to have so many spaces for the seating and the televisions, and places for food and drink and stuff like that.”

The light breeze constantly blowing in felt like air conditioning, he added.

“You’re not getting blasted by the sun,” he said. “It’s really terrific. I think it’s going to be harder and harder to get these as people find out.”

[{"type":"text","marks":[{"type":"textStyle"},{"type":"bold"}],"text":"'This Is Just Fantastic'"}]

From their skybox perch, Jennifer Gray and her travel buddy, Brian Hayes, could see straight down into Chute 9. 

That was just perfect for Gray, who was videotaping each steer, hoping to catch a cowboy wrestling one to the ground. 

The previous day, she and Hayes had squinted into the sun from the grandstands, craning around hats and flags to catch the Military Monday displays. Gray’s son was to have been part of a parachute jump that ultimately was canceled. 

“This is just fantastic,” Hayes said. “The view, to be able to see the action, especially right down in here, it’s just amazing.

“We sat over there yesterday,” he added, gesturing toward the left-hand stands. “And this is like a whole different experience.”

For former roughstock rider Chris Hall, the skybox is as close as he can get to an arena these days. Hall did “that stuff” as a teenager, he said, nodding toward a bucking bronc throwing a rider to the dirt about two seconds into his ride. 

“I’m all broken, so I can’t do any of this stuff anymore,” he said. “But I love watching it.”

He watched a string of riders “tossed one right after the other,” calling it “crazy” and grinning like he’d just been down in the chutes himself. 

Drinks and snacks were just a few steps away, he added, and there were no lines, making a drink run feel seamless and smooth. 

Skip and Taryn Schuman, CFD regulars from Fort Collins, Colorado, felt the same about the skybox versus just about any other place they’ve tried at CFD, from the Wrangler box to the grandstand benches. 

“That was fun, but this is so much better,” Skip told Cowboy State Daily. “It’s classier.”

“And there’s an elevator for the old folks,” his wife added with a chuckle. “Before the stairs were real steep. It’s so nice and cool up here. The seats are comfortable.”

“There’s food and drinks,” her husband continued. “You’ve got everything here. Check, check and check.”

For all its new polish, the skybox doesn’t change the essence of Cheyenne Frontier Days. It’s still the same old rodeo it’s always been. But now there are softer seats and party rooms — with a commanding view, one that will make spectators feel like royalty at the rodeo. 

CFD Sky Box 20260721 153424 7 22 26

<title>Cheyenne Frontier Days' New Skybox Delivers Luxury — And An Over The Top View | Cowboy State Daily</title>

Soft seats, catered food, and a commanding view — Cheyenne Frontier Days’ premium skybox experience already has fans. “The view above Chute 9 is incredible,” one said. “I think it’s going to be harder and harder to get these as people find out.”

Cheyenne Frontier Days' New Skybox Delivers Luxury — And An Over The Top View

State Sen. Eric Barlow released poll results Tuesday showing him with a sizable lead over other Republican candidates in the race for Wyoming governor.

[{"type":"text","text":"Two of his opponents doubt that outcome. One of them doesn’t."}]

Barlow, a legislator of 13 years and former House speaker, is running for the Republican nomination against Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, retired Marine Col. Brent Bien, and Centennial man Curt Blake.

His campaign released polling results Tuesday showing him at 42% support, followed by Degenfelder at 19% and Bien at 14% — with 22% undecided — when people were asked who they would vote for if the election were held today.

The poll was taken in the past three days by the Pulse Decision Science firm, the campaign says.

“Barlow has gained 10 points since the campaign’s previous survey and his net favorability has climbed from +19 to +34,” says a Tuesday statement by his campaign. “This comes even as he has been outspent more than 5-to-1 by Degenfelder and the outside groups supporting her.”

Barlow said he’s taken six full trips through all 23 Wyoming counties and is starting his seventh statewide tour.

[{"type":"text","text":"The primary election is set for Aug. 18."}]

“We believed from the beginning that if we showed up, listened and stayed focused on Wyoming, voters would respond,” Barlow said. “This poll is encouraging, but it does not change how we campaign.

The Eric Barlow gubernatorial campaign released an internal poll Tuesday showing a significant lead over both Megan Degenfelder and Brent Bien. According to his internal polling numbers, 42% of voters support Barlow while Degenfelder is at 19% and Bien at 14%.

Daily Darwin: Saturday, March 30, 2024

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