Outdoors

Oregon Has Close Call With Chronic Wasting Disease From Infected Wyoming Deer

Oregon had a close call with chronic wasting disease when hunters from that state brought home two infected Wyoming deer carcasses.

Mark HeinzOctober 31, 2024

An image from a panel discussion with the makers of the "Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons" documentary livestreamed by PBS Nature on Oct. 30, 2024. They discussede the life and legacy of the world's most famous bear.

"Queen of the Tetons" Team Celebrates Grizzly 399 As A Pioneer And Teacher

The biologists and filmmakers behind the Nature documentary "Grizzly 399: Queen of the Tetons" celebrated her life and legacy during Wednesday livestream.

Andrew RossiOctober 31, 2024

During her long life, Wyoming’s Grizzly 399 gained a loyal, worldwide fanbase. Now that she’s gone – struck and killed by a vehicle – many of her admirers don’t want a taxidermy mount of her. Rather, she should be cremated and returned to nature, they say.

399 Fans Say Taxidermy Would Insult World Famous Bear’s Legacy

However the world remembers Wyoming’s beloved Grizzly 399, some of her most devoted fans say a full-body taxidermy mount of her in a museum isn’t the way to do it.

Mark HeinzOctober 31, 2024

Idaho Fish and Game agents found a 10-month-old black bear cub lounging in a backyard apple tree in Hailey, Idaho. It had solo trekked 120 miles from the Salmon, Idaho region.

Tiny, Stubborn Idaho Bear Cub Makes 120-Mile Trek To Gorge On Apples

A tiny black bear cub braved a 120-mile trek through some of Idaho’s most remote and rugged backcountry to gorge on somebody's backyard apples.

Mark HeinzOctober 30, 2024

Speed Limit Unlikely To Change Because Of Grizzly 399's Death

The death of Wyoming’s beloved Grizzly 399 has some calling for lower speed limits where the accident happened. But Wyoming transportation officials say one bear death — even Grizzly 399 — isn’t likely to prompt lowering the speed limit.

Mark HeinzOctober 30, 2024

The entrance to the 15-acre corn maze at Gallagher Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Clark, Wyoming.

Electric Fence To Keep Grizzlies Out Installed At Popular Wyoming Corn Maze

As grizzly bears expand their range, corn fields are too much for some hungry bears to resist. That’s why a popular corn maze near Clark, Wyoming, is surrounded by a five-strand electric fence.

Mark HeinzOctober 28, 2024

Grizzly 104 predated Grizzly 399 as Wyoming’s most famous bear, until she was struck and killed by a vehicle in 2001. A taxidermy mount of her is on display at the Draper Natural History Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody.

Will Grizzly 399 Be Stuffed And Displayed Like Grizzly 104?

Before the reign of Grizzly 399, Grizzly 104 was Wyoming’s most famous bear, and there was worldwide heartbreak when she was struck and killed by a vehicle in 2001. She’s been stuffed and is on display at a Cody museum.

Mark HeinzOctober 28, 2024

In many areas of the Pack Trail and Elk fires, crews are cleaning up damage and mitigation done to fight the fires.

More Snow Coming As Large Wyoming Wildfires Close In On Containment

Another blast of snow is expected to begin Monday night as firefighters report they’re closing in on confinement of the Elk and Pack Trail fires. The Elk Fire is 82% contained and Pack Trail 78% confined.

Greg JohnsonOctober 28, 2024

Yellowstone To Remove 1,375 Bison, But Some Say It Should Be More, Not Less

Yellowstone will remove 1,375 bison through its Interagency Bison Management Plan. It's part of an ongoing effort to limit bison numbers that some say is driven by political pressure, and that the park should have more bison, not less.

Andrew RossiOctober 27, 2024

With a huge wildfire season in Wyoming this year, one question people ask is why isn't cloud seeding used to induce rain and snow to fall on the fires. The simple answer is you have to have clouds to do that.

Why Couldn't Wyoming Wildfires Be Put Out By Cloud Seeding?

With almost a million acres of land burned up in Wyoming this year by wildfire, why not use cloud seeding to help? For cloud seeding to even have a chance, a cloud is needed -- something Wyoming hasn't had much of lately.

Renée JeanOctober 27, 2024

Casey Rislov of Casper (left) and Ron Hayes of Douglas hold copies of their book "Let Me Tell You About My Mom."

Douglas Photographer, Casper Author Create Wildlife Book For Kids

A lifelong passion for the Cowboy State and its wildlife has prompted a Douglas photographer and a Casper children's author to create a wildlife book for kids. It features animal moms and their young to inspire a curiosity about the wild side of Wyoming.

Amber SteinmetzOctober 26, 2024

Crews are also in the Elk Fire burn area assessing and repairing damage made during efforts to fight and contain the fire.

With Elk Fire 73% Contained, Locals Try To Reclaim “Some Level Of Normal”

Progress fighting the Elk Fire on the eastern Wyoming Bighorns is accelerating, going from 58% percent contained Friday to 73% Saturday. That’s allowing locals to try and reclaim “some level of normal.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 26, 2024

Could Grizzly 399 be cremated, if that's what's determined to be done with her body? Absolutely, says Paul Davis, owner of Yellowstone Pet Cremations in Powell, Wyoming. He's cremated animals of all sizes, including horses. Above is 399 and a crematorium apparatus at Davis' operation.

Grizzly 399 Could Be Cremated; Cody Crematorium Explains How It's Done

Paul Davis, owner of Yellowstone Pet Cremations in Powell, said he has the capacity to cremate Grizzly 399 — if that’s what’s decided to be done. His business has worked with the Fish & Wildlife Service to dispose of the remains of other protected species.

Andrew RossiOctober 25, 2024

Grizzly 399 and her cub, Spirit. Photo is owned by Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven and may not be reproduced

Driver Who Killed Grizzly 399 Did Nothing Wrong, Sheriff’s Office Says

Contrary to public outcry from some to prosecute the driver who hit and killed Grizzly 399, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says that’s not likely to happen. Its investigation shows the driver wasn’t speeding and did nothing wrong.

Leo WolfsonOctober 25, 2024

Fish And Wildlife Service Has Grizzly 399’s Body, Now Determining What To Do With It

The Fish and Wildlife Service on Thursday said it has possession of Grizzly 399’s body and is in the "early stages of determining the next steps.” Fans of the fallen grizzly told Cowboy State Daily they want some kind of memorial for the bear.

Andrew RossiOctober 24, 2024

Grizzly 399 with three of her cubs in Grand Teton National Park.

How Grizzly 399 Became The Most Popular Bear In The World

Grizzly 399’s rise to worldwide fame was achieved when she raised triplets near humans just as social media was taking-off. It also involved a decision in 2007 to let her live after she bit a Lander schoolteacher while protecting her cubs.

Dale KillingbeckOctober 24, 2024

Spirit is the sole cub born to Grizzly 399 in 2023.

Spirit, Grizzly 399’s Huge Cub, Has “High Chances” Of Survival Without Mom

Wildlife biologists say Grizzly 399's yearling cub, Spirit, has a "high chance of survival" even after the death of its mother. They think, even though it's not two years old yet, it will have the instinct to find a suitable den.

Mark Heinz & Greg JohnsonOctober 23, 2024

Wyoming wildlife photographer Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven followed Grizzly 399 for years. This was one of his favorite photos of her, standing at Pilgrim in Grand Teton National Park amid springtime wildflowers.

Wyoming And The World Hit Hard By Death Of World’s Most Famous Bear, Grizzly 399

The long reign of the “Queen of the Tetons” came to an end late Tuesday, when Grizzly 399 was struck and killed by a vehicle south of Jackson. “Horrible news. She made it all the way to 28, only to get killed by a car," said wildlife photographer Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven.

Mark HeinzOctober 23, 2024

Grizzly 399 and her 2023 cub were spotted for the first time in 2023 on May 16. (Photo is owned by Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven and may not be reproduced)

Grand Teton Wildlife Officials “Devastated” By Death Of Grizzly 399

As the public responds with grief over the death of Grizzly 399, Grand Teton wildlife officials are “devastated.” They say the world's most famous bear had become a symbol for the Grand Tetons and the state of Wyoming.

Greg JohnsonOctober 23, 2024

World Famous Grizzly 399 Dead After Hit By Vehicle

Grizzly 399, perhaps the most famous and popular bear in the world, was hit by a car and killed Tuesday night. She was 28. The bear’s identity was confirmed through ear tags and a microchip.

Leo WolfsonOctober 23, 2024

The sun rises over a community fire information board for the Elk Fire in the Bighorns of Wyoming.

Huge Wyoming Wildfires Can Still Be Dangerous, Firefighters Warn

Last week’s blast of winter cooled down the Elk and Pack Trail fires that have burned 185,000 acres in Wyoming. But firefighters warn that the fires aren’t out and can still be dangerous.

Greg JohnsonOctober 22, 2024

Freshman Eli Hill stripping an elk head at the Bugs ‘n Bones class at Wind River High School in Pavillion, Wyoming.

Wyoming High Schoolers Use Bugs, Power Tools To Clean Skulls For Hunters

Bugs and power tools are part of the curriculum for a class of Wyoming high schoolers. It’s the Bugs N’ Bones class at Wind River High, where students learn while they clean skulls for hunters.

Jackie DorothyOctober 20, 2024

Even with the rain and snow that fell on the Pack Trail Fire on Thursday and Friday, there are still plenty of hot spots burning.

Almost No Growth For Wyoming’s Large Wildfires, But Weather Reprieve Is Over

A two-day blast of winter dropped significant rain and snow on Wyoming’s two large wildfires, slowing them to almost no growth. But that reprieve is over, with warmer temperatures and more fire activity expected.

Greg JohnsonOctober 20, 2024

Dog Killed In Beaver Trap Could Heat Up Debate For Wyoming Trapping Reform

An Afton woman whose dog was killed in a beaver trap is pushing for trapping reform in Wyoming. But a trapper argues the changes would do more harm than good.

Mark HeinzOctober 19, 2024

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