Outdoors
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Wyoming Bowhunter Bags Big Buck With Napping Toddler On His Back
Wheatland bowhunter Ryder Seely stalked and shot a big mule deer buck Wednesday. He couldn't find a babysitter when the daycare was unexpectedly closed, so he did it with his sleeping 1-year-old daughter on his back.
Mark HeinzSeptember 12, 2024
Huge Wildfire In Northeast Wyoming Now 40,000 Acres And Growing Fast
A wildfire north of Recluse, Wyoming, near the Montana border has exploded to an estimated 40,000 acres and is growing fast. People in the area have been urged to evacuate as the fire burns uncontrolled.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 12, 2024
Activists Push For National Ban On Running Down Wolves With Snowmobiles
In a case of a hot-button issue making strange political bedfellows, conservative firebrand Mat Gaetz is joining Democrats to push a national ban on running wolves and other predators down with snowmobiles.
Mark HeinzSeptember 11, 2024
Locals Outraged Over “Despicable” Slaughter Of 9 Urban Deer In Cody
Cody residents are outraged over the “despicable” slaughter of nine urban deer in the city. A 20-year-old Michigan man remains in jail, accused of killing the deer with a bow and leaving their carcasses around Cody.
Mark HeinzSeptember 11, 2024
Warm Springs Fire Remains Uncontained, But Not Threatening Thermopolis For Now
The Warm Springs Fire burning about 5 miles southeast of Thermopolis remains uncontained. But with the Bighorn River between them, the town remains safe for now.
Jackie DorothySeptember 11, 2024
Man Charged With Killing Nine Deer, Leaving Their Carcasses Around Cody
A man is facing 18 wildlife-related charges after an alleged archery killing spree that left nine dead mule deer carcasses scattered around Cody, Wyoming.
Mark HeinzSeptember 10, 2024
Is Colorado’s Only Hope For Saving Disastrous Wolf Program To Follow Wyoming?
Colorado’s wolf reintroduction program has so far been a disaster. Some observers believe its only hope is to follow Wyoming’s lead and put wolves in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Mark HeinzSeptember 10, 2024
Air Tankers Target Uncontained 1,600-Acre Wildfire 5 Miles From Thermopolis
A wildfire started by an intense Monday afternoon thunderstorm has grown to more than 1,600 acres about 5 miles southeast of Thermopolis. Air tankers are targeting the uncontained Warm Springs Fire.
Jackie DorothySeptember 10, 2024
Colorado Will Re-Release Four Wolves From Pack Trapped For Killing Livestock
At least four of a pack of six Colorado wolves that was trapped for killing cattle will be re-released, wildlife officials say Monday. It’s not clear how close they’ll be to the Wyoming state line.
Mark HeinzSeptember 10, 2024
Wyomingites Did Not Fare Well At Event Teaching Them How To Hunt With Stick And Dart
Wyomingites on Saturday learned just how difficult it was to hunt mammoths 12,000 years ago when they tried their hands at an ancient weapon known as an "atlatl." Basically, it’s a stick and a dart. Participants said they felt humbled by their performance and would have likely starved.
Mark HeinzSeptember 09, 2024
Wyoming Hunting Forecast: Lots Of Ducks, But They Have To Come South
Good news for bird hunters: wildlife experts are forecasting a banner year for both duck and geese hunters. For the first time in 10 years, the number of breeding ducks is up significantly. The best hunting will be later in the season, they say.
Mark HeinzSeptember 09, 2024
Inside The Fight To Save Brooks Lake Lodge From Fish Creek Fire
Andy James is one of nearly 450 firefighters battling the volatile Fish Creek Fire. He told Cowboy State Daily what it takes to be a firefighter on the nationally elite squad that’s helping defend Brooks Lake Lodge.
Renée JeanSeptember 08, 2024
15 Rabid Skunks Found In Wyoming So Far This Year, All In Sheridan County
The potential for humans to get rabies from any number of carriers in Wyoming is higher in Sheridan County. So far this year, the state has 15 rabid skunks, all in Sheridan County. And if you get rabies, it's going to cost you a lot of money.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 08, 2024
‘Lone Coyote’ Belief In Wyoming Is A Myth — They Form Packs, Much Like Wolves
The idea that coyotes are loners is easy to believe because they’re usually seen alone, but that’s actually a myth, wildlife biologists say. They form packs and family units, much like wolves.
Mark HeinzSeptember 07, 2024
Wyoming Hunters Faced Killer Black Mambas While On Safari Last Week In Africa
Wyoming hunters know bears are some of the most feared and deadly predators you can run into. Dealing with black mambas can be just as deadly, if not more so. Two hunters from Cody dealt with them last week while on a safari in Africa.
Mark HeinzSeptember 06, 2024
Fish Creek Fire Throws “Spot Fires” Across Togwotee Pass
After the Fish Creek fire lapped at the barrow ditches along Togwotee Pass and prompted its closure Monday night, the mountain stretch of highway is set to reopen Friday morning.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2024
Fish Creek Fire Makes Run At Brooks Lake Lodge, Firefighters Hold Line
A stubborn Fish Creek Fire made an aggressive run at Highway 26/287, close to Brooks Lake Lodge in northwest Wyoming, but firefighters held the line. It's just a mile or two from the lodge as of Wednesday evening.
Renée JeanSeptember 05, 2024
Proposed Law Says Running Over Wolf With Snowmobile OK But Only If You Kill It
A new proposed law would allow people to be charged with animal cruelty if they run animals down with snowmobiles and don't kill them immediately. A state predator working group on Wednesday voted to advance the bill to a legislative committee.
Mark HeinzSeptember 04, 2024
Brian Nesvik Led Game And Fish Career Through COVID, Daniel Wolf Controversy
Over nearly 30 years, Brian Nesvik worked his way up through the ranks of Wyoming Game and Fish from applying for a temp job to agency director. The last years of that have been trying times with COVID and the Daniel wolf controversy.
Mark HeinzSeptember 04, 2024
Brooks Lake Lodge Evacuated As Fish Creek Fire Advances, Highway 26 Closed
An advancing Fish Creek Fire prompted an evacuation of the historic Brooks Lake Lodge and nearby subdivisions Tuesday. Smoke and unstable fire lines also have closed Highway 26/287 over Togwotee Pass.
Renée JeanSeptember 04, 2024
Absolute Tank Of A Moose Turning Heads In Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains
Sheridan outdoorswoman Danielle Laumann’s photos of an absolute tank of a young bull moose is turning heads. She said the freakishly huge moose has been hanging out with a couple of other moose.
Mark HeinzSeptember 03, 2024
Idaho Archery Hunters Kill Attacking Grizzly Near Yellowstone
A grizzly attacked two archery hunters In Idaho near Yellowstone National Park on Sunday. One of the men was hurt before they killed the bear with their handguns.
Mark HeinzSeptember 03, 2024
Silver Spoon Fire Evacuations Lifted, Crews Now “Mopping Up”
Evacuations for folks potentially in the path of the Silver Spoon Fire north of Recluse in northeast Wyoming were lifted Tuesday. Fire crews now are “just mopping up” hot spots and establishing containment.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 03, 2024
Progress On Silver Spoon Fire May Allow Evacuees To Return Home
Local fire crews and ranchers made “good progress” fighting the 1,721-acre Silver Spoon Fire north of Recluse, Wyoming, on Monday. Area residents ordered to evacuate may be allowed to go home Tuesday.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 03, 2024
Pack Of Rogue Coyotes Stalks Rural Neighborhood Near Douglas
The bizarre behavior of a marauding quartet of coyotes has prompted a rural Douglas-area resident to put out a warning to her neighbors, and a call for hunters or trappers to come deal with the bothersome beasts.
Mark HeinzSeptember 02, 2024
Silver Spoon Fire Burning Through “Pretty Rough Country” In Northeast Wyoming
An evacuation order remains in place Monday as a wildfire burning in “pretty rough country” in northeast Wyoming continues to grow. A fire also was reported burning near a coal mine silo north of Gillette.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 02, 2024
Evacuations Ordered For New Campbell County Wildfire
A new wildfire discovered Sunday in northeast Wyoming has prompted an evacuation order for an area near the Montana border. The Silver Spoon Fire in Campbell County is about 1,000 acres and reportedly spreading fast.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 01, 2024
Wherever Wildfires Blaze You’ll Find Wyoming's Elite Devil’s Canyon Crew
Wherever wildfires rage across North America, you’ll find the elite Devil’s Canyon hand crew from Worland, Wyoming. The team is made up exclusively of military veterans and are often air-dropped from helicopters into some of the most remote regions in the country.
Jackie DorothySeptember 01, 2024
Washington State Game Wardens Will Wear Mandatory Body Cams
Starting next month, game wardens in Washington state must wear body cameras. Some retired game wardens in Wyoming said they understand why, but aren’t fans of the mandate. The Wyoming Game and Fish department wouldn't say if they are considering it.
Mark HeinzSeptember 01, 2024
Thermopolis Safari Club’s World-Class Big Game Trophy Collection Needs A New Home
The Safari Club in Thermopolis is well-known for the big game trophies from around the world. Most were hunted by the late Jim Mills, who hunted and fished for 80 years. But after selling their share of the business two years ago, his family wants a buyer who will keep the world-class collection intact.
Jackie DorothySeptember 01, 2024
Fans of Mysterious Rock Springs Wildcat Don’t Want It Captured
Rock Springs citizens say there's a large wildcat — a bobcat or mountain lion — living in their community. But they don’t want it caught or relocated. Just let it roam, they say.
Mark HeinzAugust 31, 2024
Wyoming’s Wildfires At Least 66% Contained, Have Burned 460,000 Acres
Firefighting crews continue to make progress on large wildfires in northern Wyoming that have burned nearly 460,000 acres. All but one is at least 66% contained Friday as local efforts shift to damage assessment.
Clair McFarlandAugust 30, 2024
Massive Wyoming Wildfires Could Leave Game Herds Facing Disease, Starvation
Most of northern Wyoming’s wildlife seems to have escaped being burned in massive wildfires. But there’s concern about the lingering threats of disease and starvation for elk, deer and antelope.
Mark HeinzAugust 29, 2024
Dozens Of Firefighting Crews On Site To Protect Iconic Brooks Lake Lodge
A spiderweb of waterlines are positioned around the historic structures at Brooks Lake Lodge and dozens of crews from an overall incident management team of 500 firefighters have been brought to the scene to cross-train for protecting the historic Wyoming lodge.
Renée JeanAugust 29, 2024
Worst Wildfires In Campbell County History Stretched Resources, Nerves
Fighting dozens of wildfires that burned nearly 450,000 acres over the past week has left Campbell County firefighters and locals frazzled.
Jen KocherAugust 28, 2024
Colorado Trapping And Moving Wolf Pack That Keeps Killing Livestock
Eight months after wolves were reintroduced to Colorado, a pack is being trapped and relocated. It’s killed so many sheep and cattle, state wildlife officials are removing them.
Mark HeinzAugust 28, 2024
Yellowstone Wolf Learns That Going After Elk Alone Usually Leads To A Stomping
A lone wolf that tried taking on some elk in Yellowstone National Park was lucky it didn’t get stomped to death. Biologists say such solo hunts rarely work out for wolves.
Mark HeinzAugust 28, 2024
Northeast Wyoming Wildfires Getting Under Control, Teton Crews Still Fight Timber
A handful of large wildfires that have consumed nearly 460,000 acres across northern Wyoming and southern Montana are getting under control. But timber in the Fish Creek and Flat Rock fires hold heat longer than grasslands.
Clair McFarland & Jen KocherAugust 28, 2024
Remington, Flat Rock Fires Now Half Contained As Upstart Blaze Pops Up
Firefighters made significant progress on large wildfires that have burned nearly 460,000 acres in Wyoming and Montana. The huge 200,000-acre Remington Fire is now 50% contained, and Flat Rock Fire 54%. But new fires are a concern.
Clair McFarlandAugust 28, 2024
Colorado Has At Least Three Wolf Pups Now, And They’re Growing Fast
A video by a Colorado outdoorsman confirms that state’s new wolf pack has at least three new pups. But people there continue to be divided on reintroducing the predators to the Centennial State.
Mark HeinzAugust 27, 2024
Elite Firefighting Team Moves In To Defend Historic Brooks Lake Lodge
One of 44 elite firefighting teams in the U.S. is on scene in Wyoming on Monday to help defend the historic Brooks Lake Lodge from wildfire. It’s also helping to keep the flames away from other homes and infrastructure in the Dubois area.
Renée JeanAugust 26, 2024
Grim Wildlife Death Count Expected As Wildfires Rip Through Northern Wyoming
State Game and Fish agents are preparing for the grim task of counting wildlife carcasses killed by raging wildfires in northern Wyoming that have burned more than 430,000 acres so far.
Mark HeinzAugust 25, 2024
Wyoming Hunting: Triple-Digit Heat, Wildfires For Start Of Bowhunting Season
A week into some of Wyoming’s archery hunting seasons, it’s still sweltering hot. But even triple-digit temperatures can't keep committed bowhunters from pursuing their tags.
Mark HeinzAugust 25, 2024
Owners Of Montana’s Tongue River Marina 'Defeated' By Wildfire Damage
Wildfires in northern Wyoming and southern Montana have burned more than 400,000 acres. They’ve also left ranchers and small businesses like Tongue River Marina wrecked financially and worried about the future.
Pat MaioAugust 25, 2024
Wildfires Have Blazed Through 430,000 Acres In Northern Wyoming And Montana
The Remington Fire that started in northern Wyoming and ran into Montana exploded again overnight Saturday and Sunday to nearly 200,000 acres. Including other major events in the region, wildfires have blazed through more than 430,000 acres.
Clair McFarlandAugust 25, 2024
All-Out, Around-The-Clock Effort To Save Historic Brooks Lake Lodge From Fire
There’s an all-out, around-the-clock effort on to save the historic Brooks Lake Lodge from the Fish Creek Fire. Ultimately, the lodge’s survival is up to the wind and weather.
Renée JeanAugust 24, 2024
After Rescuing Eggs, Wild Goose Returns To Wyoming Ranch For 24 Years
A Wyoming rancher rescued some Canada goose eggs that her chickens incubated. One of the geese that hatched has returned to her ranch every spring for 24 years.
Mark HeinzAugust 24, 2024
Popular Snowy Range Road Still Closed, But People Are Using It Anyway
Boswell Road, a popular access to Wyoming’s Snowy Ranch, remains closed as campers and bowhunters look for access. The legal status of the road remains in limbo, but closed or not, people are using it anyway.
Mark HeinzAugust 23, 2024
Brief: Game And Fish Relocates Grizzlies That Killed Calves In Northwest Wyoming
Two adult grizzlies – a male and a female – were trapped and relocated after killing ranchers’ calves in separate incidents in northwest Wyoming.
Mark HeinzAugust 23, 2024
Wyoming Ranchers Watch As 175,000-Acre Wildfire Burns Through Fences And Hay
About 150 firefighters started in Buffalo, Wyoming, early Friday morning to battle the House Draw Fire, which has burned about 175,000 acres.
Pat MaioAugust 23, 2024
Wyoming Energy, Mining Industries Slam BLM Rock Springs Plan As Biden Overreach
A coalition of Wyoming energy and mining industry groups are slamming the final Rock Springs Resource Management Plan released Thursday. They call it an example of government overreach by the Biden/Harris administration.
Mark HeinzAugust 22, 2024
Devils Tower Reopens, But “Will Never Look The Same” After Huge Hailstorm
Devils Tower National Monument reopened Wednesday afternoon after clearing more than 200 fallen trees and 5 inches of hail. But the national monument “will never look the same” after huge hailstones pummeled the area.
Andrew RossiAugust 22, 2024
BLM Releases Controversial Rock Springs Plan, Wyoming Officials Already Hate It
After a year of controversy, the BLM’s Rock Springs Resource Management Plan was released Thursday. Wyoming officials already hate it, saying the Biden administration is “pushing Wyoming off an economic cliff.”
Mark HeinzAugust 22, 2024
Evacuations, Road Closures As Wildfires Blow Up Across Northern Wyoming
Hot, windy and dry conditions have conspired to blow up new and existing wildfires across northern and central Wyoming. The fires have also prompted evacuations and closures of parts of Interstates 90 and 25.
Clair McFarlandAugust 22, 2024
There’s So Many Deer In Sheridan, Cops Want People To Bowhunt Them In Town
Sheridan is overrun with deer, so the Wyoming Game and Fish and police are inviting people to hunt them in city limits. There are some catches, like you have to use a bow and only in certain areas.
Mark HeinzAugust 20, 2024
Fish Creek Fire Grows 800 Acres In Northwest Wyoming, Remains 0% Contained
A wildfire in rugged terrain near Togwottee Pass in northwest Wyoming grew 800 acres Tuesday and remains 0% contained. The fire was started by a lightning strike Friday.
Jackie DorothyAugust 20, 2024
Making Bears ‘Family’ Sets Everybody Up For Maiming, Death
A social media video depicting people “adopting” bears and raising them as pets is terrible idea, experts told Cowboy State Daily. They are just setting themselves up to be mauled, they said.
Mark HeinzAugust 19, 2024
Uncontained Wildfire Putting Out Plumes Of Smoke In Northwest Wyoming
Started by lightning Friday, the Fish Creek Fire has burned more than 2,500 acres in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is 0% contained. It, and a few other fires in the area, are putting out plumes of smoke.
Jackie DorothyAugust 19, 2024
Uh-Oh, Grizzly Bears Are Mating With Polar Bears
Although "Grolars" or “Pizzly Bears," may sound like a new breed of super-predator, crossbreeding between grizzlies and polar bears remain pretty rare. There have been only eight confirmed cases and no new ones in the last decade.
Mark HeinzAugust 18, 2024
Yes, Grizzlies Are Dangerous But They're Pretty Mild Compared To Polar Bears
Grizzlies have a well-earned reputation as a dangerous apex predator and it's good to avoid them. Just be thankful you don't have to worry about polar bears in Wyoming. They're bigger, more aggressive and much more likely to think of people as a food source.
Mark HeinzAugust 16, 2024
Wyoming’s Wild Critters Feeling Pressure From Wildlife Paparazzi
With more people than ever competing for perfect wildlife photos, stupid human tricks with cameras are a growing concern. Wyoming’s wild critters are feeling the pressure from an increasingly aggressive wildlife paparazzi.
Mark HeinzAugust 15, 2024
Retired Rangers Alarmed, But Not Surprised, By Armed Fed Confronting S.D. Ranchers
Retired rangers say they’re alarmed, but not surprised, with the heavy-handed treatment a South Dakota ranch couple got. Instead of working out a solution to a fence dispute, they were given federal indictments by an armed agent in tactical gear.
Mark HeinzAugust 14, 2024
Black Bear Goes Into Tent To Attack 3-Year-Old Girl Near Yellowstone
A black bear went into a tent to attack a 3-year-old girl at a private campground near Yellowstone on Sunday. Wildlife officials later killed the bear, which was drawn in by food that had been left out at the campsite.
Mark HeinzAugust 14, 2024
Outrage At Feds In Tactical Gear Indicting S.D. Ranchers Over 75-Year-Old Fenceline
Ranchers across the U.S. have expressed outrage over the Forest Service prosecuting a South Dakota ranch couple for allegedly stealing public land. The feds, who showed up armed and in tactical gear, say a fence that’s been on the owners' land for 75 years crosses a boundary with federal grasslands.
Mark HeinzAugust 13, 2024
Once Terrified Of Grizzlies, Wyoming Author Now Says They’re Just Misunderstood
Kevin Grange of Jackson, Wyoming, was once terrified of grizzly bears. But after years of living and working around them, he’s written a new book detailing how they’re just misunderstood.
Mark HeinzAugust 12, 2024
Wyoming Rock Crawlers Get A Huge Adrenaline Rush At 2 MPH
Why go around a giant boulder in the road when you can just go over it? That’s rock crawling in a nutshell. And for Wyoming rock crawlers addicted to that adrenaline rush at 2 mph, the bigger the boulders the better.
Jackie DorothyAugust 11, 2024
It Took 4,000 Shots, But Cheyenne Photographer Catches Owls At Perfect Moment
Armed with a GoPro camera and a ton of patience, Pete Arnold of Cheyenne caught a perfect image of tiny owls frolicking near their burrow on the edge of town. But it took almost 4,000 shots to get it.
Mark HeinzAugust 11, 2024
Hunter Bags One Of Wyoming’s Biggest Bears Ever With Traditional Recurve Bow
A Wyoming hunter bagged one of the state’s biggest bears ever with a traditional recurve bow. Owen Miller started off with a rifle, then a compound bow, but finally switched to the more challenging recurve bow to get his black bear.
Mark HeinzAugust 11, 2024
Weird-Looking Buck With Club Antler Joins Green River Urban Deer Herd
A young mule deer buck with a rare antler deformity has joined an urban herd in Green River, Wyoming. A homeowner said he doesn’t mind the deer with a club antler on his property, except when he has to clean up deer droppings.
Mark HeinzAugust 10, 2024
Smoke And Thunder Light Up Wyoming Family’s Premier Black Powder Rifle Range
During the 1980s farm crisis, the Smith Family nearly lost their land near Carpenter. Their farm is now the site of the Smithmoor BPCR Range – one of country’s premiere sites for competitive matches between old-fashioned rifle enthusiasts.
Mark HeinzAugust 10, 2024
Wyoming’s Urban Badgers Follow Prairie Dogs Into Towns
Urban badgers have been following prairie dogs into Wyoming towns and raising a ruckus. But don’t expect local animal control to handle them, because only certified critter catchers can get them out of town.
Mark HeinzAugust 10, 2024
Wyoming Hunters: Out-Of-State Landowners Make It Tougher To Get To Elk
Across Wyoming and the U.S. West, elk herds are thriving, but hunting them is getting tougher. As more out-of-state landowners cut off access, hunting experts say still there’s plenty hunters can do.
Mark HeinzAugust 08, 2024
Highway From Cody To Yellowstone Remains Open As Clearwater Fire Burns
Yellowstone tourists can still use the national park’s East Entrance despite a wildfire that continues to burn in the area. Several campgrounds and trails remain closed.
Jackie DorothyAugust 06, 2024
Raccoons Mistake Cybertruck For Dumpster, And Wyoming Auto Experts Agree
A Minnesota man excited that his Cybertruck is raccoon proof has been teased mercilessly that the critters think his expensive EV is a dumpster. And Wyoming auto experts agree with the raccoons.
Mark HeinzAugust 06, 2024
Firefighters Gain Upper Hand In Wyoming Wildfires That Have Burned 53,200 Acres
Emergency firefighters report making “good progress” on containing wildfires across Wyoming that have burned 53,200 acres. That includes getting about 90% containment of the Pleasant Valley Fire north of Guernsey.
Pat MaioAugust 06, 2024
“Dancing” Wyoming Rattlers Actually Rare Video Of Males Fighting For Territory
An avid hiker from Lander caught video of two large rattlesnakes “dancing” in Sinks Canyon last week. What she captured was rare video of two males wrestling for territorial dominance.
Mark HeinzAugust 05, 2024
Keeping Yellowstone’s East Gate Open A Priority As Fire Burns Near East Entrance
The Clearwater fire has burned nearly 2,000 acres in some of the most rugged and remote terrain in northwest Wyoming. Keeping Yellowstone’s East Gate open among the top priorities for those fighting the blaze.
Jackie DorothyAugust 05, 2024
Rock Springs Shooters Set Up Target So Everyone Can Smack Steel With Bullets
Some friends from Rock Springs who like collecting and shooting vintage military rifles also believe in community service. They cleaned up a patch of public land near town and set up a steel target so everybody can smack it with bullets.
Mark HeinzAugust 05, 2024
New Fires Add To Wyoming’s Wildland Inferno, More Than 55,000 Acres Burned
A pair of wildfires in Campbell County blew up over the weekend to nearly 25,000 acres. That’s added to the nearly 30,000 acres burned north of Guernsey and about 1,800 acres in the rugged Shoshone National Forest in northwest Wyoming.
Pat MaioAugust 05, 2024
Texas Company Trying To Resurrect Woolly Mammoths To Improve Genetics Of Bison
A Texas biotechnology and genetic engineering company is trying to resurrect woolly mammoths to help build better bison on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. They hope the mammoth can be resurrected by 2028.
Andrew RossiAugust 04, 2024
Grandma Who Killed Huge Grizzly With 1 Shot From .22 Still Amazes Wyoming Hunters
One of the largest grizzlies ever recorded was killed in 1953 with a single shot from a .22 rifle wielded by a 63-year-old grandmother in Canada. She had hunted and trapped her entire life, so she knew bear anatomy well -- and knew where to place the shot.
Mark HeinzAugust 04, 2024
Evacuation Lifted For Pleasant Valley Fire, But Ranchers Worried For Cattle
More than 200 people showed up at the Guernsey-Sunrise High School late Saturday afternoon to discuss the latest on the Pleasant Valley Fire. During the briefing, Goshen and Platte County emergency officials lifted evacuation orders for the communities north of Guernsey.
Pat MaioAugust 04, 2024
Wyoming, Montana Done Waiting, Give Feds Deadline To Delist Grizzlies
The governors of Wyoming and Montana both say their states are done waiting for grizzly bears to be delisted from endangered status. Both governors said they will initiate lawsuits if the decision is not made quickly.
Mark HeinzAugust 03, 2024
New Yorker Has Terrifying Grizzly Encounter, Still Wants To Return To Wyoming
A hiker from Queens came face-to-face with a grizzly while hiking the Continental Divide earlier this summer. She filmed the encounter so when people found her phone, they would know how she died. But, because she didn't panic, she survived and wants to come back out west.
Mark HeinzAugust 03, 2024
Pleasant Valley Fire Saturday Update: 30% Contained, Plans In The Works To Lift Evacuation Orders
Update Saturday morning: Evacuation orders for a 30%-contained wildfire that threatened Hartville and surrounding communities Friday evening may be lifted later Saturday, the Wyoming State Forestry Division said.
Pat MaioAugust 03, 2024
Frustrated Montana Landowners Want To Kill 50,000 Elk, Judge Says No
A Montana judge has shot down a demand by frustrated landowners let them kill 50,000 elk. Ranchers in Wyoming are dealing with similar problems with too many elk or deer eating their forage.
Mark HeinzAugust 02, 2024
Yellowstone Says Violent Explosion Of Black Diamond Pool A Research Opportunity
When the Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park violently exploded July 23, it destroyed part of a boardwalk and ripped open the landscape. It also created a research opportunity, and the park wants help studying the aftermath.
Andrew RossiAugust 01, 2024
Eastern Wyoming Wildfire Nearly Burned Through Historic Fort Laramie
A 23,000-acre wildfire that prompted evacuations and road closures in eastern Wyoming also threatened the historic Fort Laramie complex. Located about 8 miles northeast of Guernsey in the Haystack Range, the Pleasant Valley Fire has not been contained.
Pat MaioAugust 01, 2024
Agency Says Plane That Looped Into Wyoming Airspace Wasn’t Tracking Wolves
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife plane that looped into Wyoming airspace Tuesday wasn’t tracking wolves, the agency says. But a Colorado wolf watchdog is skeptical and thinks the state isn’t being transparent about the predators.
Mark HeinzAugust 01, 2024
Don’t Believe Climatologist’s Claim It’s An Ideal 70 Degrees In Wyoming On Aug. 1
A climatologist is telling travelers they’ll have ideal 70-degree weather in Wyoming on Aug. 1. Anyone who believes that is going to roast, says meteorologist Don Day. It could actually get into the 80s, 90s or even triple digits.
Mark HeinzJuly 31, 2024
Deaths of Wyoming Mule Deer Tangled In Old Barbed Wire Inspire Fence Removal
The prolonged, agonizing deaths of two Wyoming mule deer bucks that got entangled in barbed wire helped inspire the removal of 3 miles of old fence near Cody on Monday.
Mark HeinzJuly 30, 2024
Punching An Attacking Grizzly In The Face Might Work, But Not Recommended
A man in British Columbia stopped a grizzly attack by punching the bear in the face. Some Wyoming bear experts say that say might work, but isn’t something anybody should try unless it’s a last ditch option.
Mark HeinzJuly 29, 2024
Rural Colorado Family Says Wolf Was Watching Their Kids And Sheep
A northern Colorado ranch family is on high alert after observing a wolf, they claim, were watching their kids and sheep. It’s one of a growing number of wolf encounters and livestock kills reported since that state reintroduced the predators in December.
Mark HeinzJuly 29, 2024
Wisconsin Anglers Get Their Guns Back – Wyoming Anglers Say They’d Never Give Theirs Up To Begin With
Wisconsin banned people from carry guns while fishing for 14 years – presumably to stop dirtbags from shooting fish. Some Wyoming anglers said such a ban would never fly here – a .44 mag is pretty much standard gear for fishing in grizzly country.
Mark HeinzJuly 27, 2024
Colorado Wolves Close In On Wyoming, Would Get ‘Warm Welcome’ From Ranchers
Colorado wolves continue to close in crossing into Wyoming, which wouldn’t be popular with ranchers near the border. One state legislator said it’s likely any wolves that come into Wyoming would get a “warm welcome.”
Mark HeinzJuly 26, 2024
Wyoming Everest Climbers Pleased Dead Bodies Being Removed, Worried About Sherpas
Two Wyoming mountaineers who have been on Mount Everest say they appreciate renewed efforts to remove hundreds of dead bodies from the mountain. But they also don’t want to sacrifice Sherpas to do it.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 26, 2024
Grizzlies Fight Over Food Right Next To Wyoming Man’s Truck
Getting video of a grizzly mother and cub fighting over food, practically within arm’s reach (but taken safely from his truck), seemed cool enough to share on social media for a Cody man, but he didn’t expect it to catch fire.
Mark HeinzJuly 26, 2024
Critics Say Cody Too Isolated For $10 Million Wyoming Shooting Complex
Now that a spot about 7.5 miles south of Cody has been picked for the coveted $10 million Wyoming Shooting Complex, critics say it’s too isolated. Backers say that won’t discourage its target audience — competitive shooters and events.
Mark HeinzJuly 25, 2024
Two Wyoming Heroes Honored At Cheyenne Frontier Days For Saving Boy's Life
Over 10,000 people at Cheyenne Frontier Days gave two men a standing ovation on Wednesday for their heroism earlier this year when they saved an 11-year-old boy who had fallen into the whitewater rapids of the Popo Agie River.
Renée JeanJuly 25, 2024
Game And Fish Genetically Modify Brook Trout To Make Them All Male
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department have come up with a seemingly sci-fi way to combat brook trout that have been taking over habitat from native cutthroats. Turn the brookies all male by mixing them with genetically-altered “Trojan” fish.
Mark HeinzJuly 24, 2024
Grizzly Killed, Left In River With Head, Paws Cut Off, Was Well-Known Yellowstone Bear
A grizzly carcass left in the Yellowstone River with its head and paws cut off is that of a well-known Yellowstone bear, Grizzly 769. Wildlife officials said they removed the parts after killing it last week so they wouldn't end up on the black market.
Mark HeinzJuly 24, 2024
Yellowstone Volcano Scientist Says Black Diamond Eruption Was "Small," Can Get Much Bigger
Despite the intensity and size of the Black Diamond Pool eruption in Yellowstone on Tuesday, geologists categorized it as a "small" hydrothermal explosion. The scientist-in-charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory said they can get bigger. Much bigger.
Andrew RossiJuly 24, 2024
$10M Wyoming Shooting Complex To Be Built South Of Cody
A site about 7 miles south of Cody has been chosen for a $10 million Wyoming shooting complex, a state task force decided Monday. Construction could start next spring, and the complex could be open for business by spring 2026.
Mark HeinzJuly 23, 2024
Violent Yellowstone Thermal Pool Eruption Explodes Boardwalk, Spews Mud And Rocks
Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park violently erupted Tuesday, sending dozens of tourists running as the boardwalk they were standing on exploded. The eruption spewed black water, mud and rocks, but no injuries were initially reported.
Andrew RossiJuly 23, 2024
Tourists Run Screaming From Yellowstone Bear That Looks Like A Muppet
A young black bear with different coloring that looked more like a Muppet than an apex predator freaked out Yellowstone tourists. But the bear, which had shaggy fur and racoon-like markings, was just a regular bear, an expert says.
Mark HeinzJuly 23, 2024
Protesters Rally In Rock Springs To End Wyoming Mustang Roundup
Demonstrators from several states showed up in Rock Springs on Monday to protest the BLM's Wyoming mustang roundups. Next month, the BLM plans to round up about 500-600 wild horses in the White Mountain area, reducing that herd to roughly 300 horses.
Mark HeinzJuly 22, 2024
Wyoming Has Few Widlfires Burning, But Plenty Of Smoke
Wyoming has had a quiet widlfire season so far, but is still blanketed with smoke from fires burning in Montana, Oregon and Canada. Some of that may begin to clear up later in the week.
Andrew RossiJuly 22, 2024
Wyoming Works To Save Rapidly Vanishing Pinyon Jay That’s Down 80%
The pinyon jay has seen its population crater by 80% over the last 50 years across the American West, including Wyoming. Now the Cowboy State is in the middle of efforts to save the species.
Amber SteinmetzJuly 21, 2024
Steamboat Geyser Erupts, Covers Cars With Millions-Year-Old Gunk
Last week, Yellowstone visitors were thrilled when they got to witness a rare eruption of Steamboat, the world's tallest geyser. Many were not that happy with the million-year-old gunk that covered their cars, however.
Andrew RossiJuly 21, 2024
In Brief: Montana Grizzly Killed While Charging Man Picking Berries
A man told game wardens that he shot and killed a grizzly after it attacked him while he was picking berries in northern Montana on Thursday. It was the second grizzly killed that day.
Mark HeinzJuly 19, 2024
Wyoming Family Has A 56-Pound Tank Of A Pet Raccoon Named Rico
Rico is a 56-pound tank of a raccoon that’s worked out as a loving pet for a family near Lander. But veterinarians say domesticating raccoons should be avoided because they can turn into possessed demons from hell.
Mark HeinzJuly 19, 2024
Montana Wildlife Agency Confirms Killing Of Grizzly That Was Breaking Into Homes
Montana wildlife officials confirmed they shot a grizzly bear that had been causing trouble around the Yellowstone gateway town of Gardiner, Mont., and was breaking into yet another house early Thursday. The bear was killed in the Yellowstone River.
Mark HeinzJuly 19, 2024
Rumor That Town-Terrorizing Grizzly Bear Is Dead Brings Sadness And Relief
A large grizzly bear that’s been smashing house windows, breaking into vehicles and raising Hell in the tiny Yellowstone gateway town of Gardiner, Mont., might have been killed by wildlife agents on Thursday. Some townspeople are relieved to hear it.
Mark HeinzJuly 19, 2024
Yellowstone Tourist Family "Not Idiots" After Trying To Avoid Charging Bison
If anyone is an authority on who qualifies as an idiot in Yellowstone, it's Jen Mignard, the founder of "Yellowstone: Invasion of the Idiots." She has officially ruled that a Long Island family who was charged by a bison are officially "not idiots" as they followed the rules.
Andrew RossiJuly 18, 2024
Chatty Hikers Bother Wyoming’s Wildlife, Study Reveals
A new study published in a scientific journal in June show that animals are really annoyed by the sound of chatty hikers and mountain bikers. Black bears and elk were most skittish about human voices while cougars really don't care.
Mark HeinzJuly 18, 2024
There's A Reason It's Called The Snowy Range, It's Stays Snowy In The Summer Too
Hikers know when they travel up to Wyoming's Snowy Range in the middle of summer that they will still see snow, "icebergs," and glaciers. "The Snowy Range is appropriately named," meteorologist Don Day said.
Andrew RossiJuly 18, 2024
Horse Creek Fire Now At 43 Acres, Type 3 Firefighter Team Called In
The Horse Creek fire on the border of Sublette and Lincoln counties has burned 43 acres as it moves through ‘steep, arduous terrain.’ A Type 3 wildfire fighting team has been called in to battle the blaze with two hand crews and a helicopter.
Jake NicholsJuly 17, 2024
Powell Baseball Player Set To Return After Suffering Life-Threatening Rattlesnake Bite
Powell baseball player Jhett Schwahn was deep in the backcountry when he was bit by a rattlesnake. It took a rescue helicopter 2 1/2 hours to get to him. By that time, his legs were numb and he was unable to communicate.
Leo WolfsonJuly 17, 2024
Grizzly Habitat In Yellowstone Ecosystem Is Filling Up Fast, Biologist Says
Going just by the numbers, the grizzly population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is more than double the 500 bears designated as “recovered,” a top bear biologist told the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission on Tuesday.
Mark HeinzJuly 16, 2024
Park County Search And Rescue Coordinate Five Rescues In Four Days
Between July 5 and 8, Park County Search and Rescue coordinated a slew of rescues, including some which were life-threatening. Multiple agencies and helicopters across northwest Wyoming responded to the emergencies.
Andrew RossiJuly 16, 2024