Outdoors | Cowboy State Daily

After chasing off a photographer that got too close, a bull moose checks out a camera near Wyoming’s Grand Tetons.

Spot Near Grand Teton Is A Moose Magnet, But Too Many People Could Ruin It

If you want to see a moose, there's a spot near Kelly, Wyoming, that draws a ton of them during the early winter. It's so popular that locals are worried that the area will be discovered and ruined by the gawking humans.

Mark HeinzNovember 25, 2024

Wojtek was an orphaned brown bear cub that was adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II and served honorably during the war. He helped move ammunition during battle and achieved the rank of corporal.

Polish Army Fought Alongside 600-Pound Bear Who Liked Booze & Cigarettes In World War II

As a Polish war unit prepared to enter the war zone in Italy in 1943, they hit a snag because animals were not allowed to accompany troops into battle but they got around that rule. They officially enlisted the bear as a private, giving him a salary and a serial number.

Mark HeinzNovember 24, 2024

Lucy Barnard walked into Wyoming over the Continental Divide in October 2024. Her goal is to walk to Yellowstone National Park by December before she must return to Australia to renew her passport. She is walking the length of the earth and is gathering a group of women to join her on the last leg of the trip in Alaska.

Australian Woman Hiking Through Wyoming On Quest To Walk Length Of The Earth

Australian Lucy Barnard is walking 18,000 miles from the tip of South America to the top of North America to become the first woman to walk the length of the earth. She’s now in Wyoming, getting to Lander after hiking across the Red Desert.

Jackie DorothyNovember 24, 2024

Fierce Loyalty Of Wyoming’s Wolf Packs Make It Easier To Track Them

Wyoming's 350 wolves are scattered among 30 packs, raising the question of how those wolves, packs and pack membership are tracked. It's quite simple. They don't veer outside their packs. They live and die with the packs they were born into.

Mark HeinzNovember 23, 2024

A station with bags for people to pick up and pack out their poo while hiking on Mount Elbert in Colorado, the second tallest peak in the Lower 48.

No More Free-Range Pooping: Human-Poop Bags At Hiking Trailheads Are A Thing Now

“Sustainable pooping” has become an outdoors recreation catchphrase, with people expected to pack their own human waste out in plastic bags. Kiosks with these human-poop bags are popping up along popular hiking trails, like Mount Elbert in Colorado.

Mark HeinzNovember 22, 2024

If Wyoming Grizzlies Make It To Utah, They’ll Probably Get Sent Back

While it’s almost certain that Wyoming grizzlies will eventually migrate into Utah, they won’t be welcome to stay there. Unlike Wyoming, Utah does not have a sustainable habitat for grizzly bears.

Mark HeinzNovember 22, 2024

One of 10 wolves reintroduced to northern Colorado in December 2023.

After Colorado Wolf Found With Bullet Wound, Group Puts Up $50K In Rewards

After a bullet wound was found in a wolf carcass in Colorado, a conservation group has set up a $50,000 reward fund for tips about illegal wolf killings.

Mark HeinzNovember 20, 2024

Montana wildlife agents sometimes use drones to chase grizzly bears away from farms and ranches on the high plains.

One Way To Scare Grizzlies Away: Yell At Them Over Drone Speakers

Montana wildlife officials have been yelling at prairie grizzlies through the speakers on drones to scare the bears away from people. But that doesn’t always work, like the Colorado black bear who didn’t budge when blasted with heavy metal music.

Mark HeinzNovember 19, 2024

Coyotes and badgers will team up to hunt prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Between the coyotes’ agility and the badgers’ digging power, the rodents don’t stand a chance.

Wyoming Coyotes And Badgers Will Team Up To Hunt Prairie Dogs

Coyotes and badgers in Wyoming will team up to hunt prairie dogs. Badgers dig into the rodents’ dens, while the coyotes wait at the exit to snatch any varmints trying to escape.

Mark HeinzNovember 18, 2024

A wildland firefighter walks along the edge of the Dixie Fire in northern California in 2021. This firefighter’s job is to help monitor the ongoing backfiring operation and to watch for any embers falling onto the wrong side of the control line.

Wyoming Hotshot’s Photographs Give Rare Behind-The-Scenes Look At Wildfires

Wyoming Hotshot Capt. Kyle Miller’s photographs are on display at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody in a new exhibition. His stunning images give a rare behind-the-scenes look at wildfires and the people who fight them.

Amber SteinmetzNovember 17, 2024

What's being called a 20-year storm left much of Colorado under deep snow this past week, which crusted over and forced herds of antelope onto eastern Colorado roads, where about 150 were killed, including 53 at once.

Winter Storm Drives 150 Antelope To Their Deaths, Including 53 From One Truck Accident

150 antelope were killed earlier this week when a winter storm blasted eastern Colorado with snow and sent the animals onto the highways. That includes 53 antelope which were plowed down in a single accident.

Mark HeinzNovember 16, 2024

A view along Highway 14 shows large patches of black where the Elk Fire burned on the eastern Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming.

After 7 Weeks And 100,000 Acres Burned, Elk Fire Is 100% Contained

After more than seven weeks, the Elk Fire is officially 100% contained. The late-season wildfire scorched nearly 100,000 acres in the Bighorn Mountains and came close to burning the rural towns of Dayton and Parkman.

Greg JohnsonNovember 15, 2024

The rugged and remote Green Mountain area in the Laramie Range in Albany County is prized for its elk and bighorn sheep hunting. The proposed Britania Land Exchange would trade rugged Forest Service Land in Albany for two parchels farther to the north.

Fight Over Prime Wyoming Hunting Land Exchange Headed To Federal Court

A legal fight is brewing over a U.S. Forest Service land exchange that would take a "hunter's paradise" parcel in Wyoming's Laramie Range out of public use. Opponents of the swap filed a court petition to stop it this week and are threatening a lawsuit.

Mark HeinzNovember 14, 2024

Colorado Says If You See A Deer In The Road, Hit It. Don’t Try To “Save Bambi”

If a deer jumps out in front of your vehicle on the road, Colorado officials say it could be best to just hit it. Swerving to try and “save Bambi” could lead to even more tragic results.

Mark HeinzNovember 14, 2024

An elk hunt near Sybille Canyon in southeast Wyoming became a mountain lion hunt for Matt Rivord of Laramie. He said more and more mountain lions have been showing up there.

Having A Mountain Lion Tag, Just In Case, Pays Off For Wyoming Elk Hunting Guide

Hunters keeping just-in-case mountain lion tags in their pocket when they’re out after elk and deer is increasingly common. It paid off for a Wyoming elk hunting guide.

Mark HeinzNovember 13, 2024

Wildlife biologist Cat Wood studied and photographed wolverines in Alaska, like in this file photo. She says a video taken Tuesday morning near Yellowstone National Park, though blurry, shows a wolverine.

Blurry Video Near Yellowstone May Be Extremely Rare Wolverine Sighting

A blurry video taken early Tuesday shows a creature bounding across a highway near Yellowstone National Park. Though the footage is blurry, the man who took it says it was a wolverine, and a wildlife biologist agrees.

Mark HeinzNovember 12, 2024

Trump’s Win Could Tip The Scales In Favor Of Delisting Wyoming’s Grizzlies

With the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, it’s possible that federal protections could be removed for Wyoming’s grizzly bears.

Mark HeinzNovember 12, 2024

Plunging Temps Get Wyoming Big Game Moving, Increase Odds For Hunters

After a scorching start to hunting season in September and October, colder temperatures and snow in November are helping hunters out.

Mark HeinzNovember 11, 2024

Conditions were snowy and deep in Leo Wolfson’s first day of the year on skis in the backcountry.

Back On Skis And It's Not Even Thanksgiving

The snowstorms that hit the Rocky Mountains last week produced some rare early November skiing -- if you are willing to work for it. Cowboy State Daily’s Leo Wolfson went backcountry skiing in northern Colorado on Saturday and said the conditions were ideal.

Leo WolfsonNovember 11, 2024

Many modern pistol designs feature a safety lever built into the trigger. That mitigates the risk of accidental firing, if the pistol is being carried with a round in the firing chamber.

Wyoming Outdoorsmen Say In Grizzly Country, Have A Round Chambered In Your Handgun

When a grizzly is charging and milliseconds count, it’s best to have a round already chambered in a defensive handgun, Wyoming outdoorsmen told Cowboy State Daily. A hunter who shot and killed charging grizzly last month says it saved his life.

Mark HeinzNovember 10, 2024

It’s been nearly 30 years since John Talbott, inset, then Wyoming Game and Fish director, got caught fishing without a license and resigned.

That Time Wyoming’s Game And Fish Director Was Caught Fishing Without A License

It’s been nearly 30 years since John Talbott, then Wyoming Game and Fish director, got caught fishing without a license and resigned. The incident still lives on in Wyoming author C.J. Box’s “Joe Pickett” novels.

Mark HeinzNovember 09, 2024

Sydnee Chapman poses for a photo outside her camper van in Joshua Tree National Park, California. Chapman has traveled through eight states since moving into the van earlier this summer.

Starting My Van Life Journey In Wyoming: I Was Convinced I Would Be Killed Or Kidnapped

Sydnee Chapman writes, “I was convinced I would be killed or kidnapped on my first night sleeping in my recently bought campervan. The wind gusts at the rest stop somewhere between Laramie and Evanston were a far cry from the glorious lifestyles you see under #vanlife on social media."

Sydnee ChapmanNovember 09, 2024

Jordan Thorn reached Katahdin, the end of the Appalachian Trail, on Oct. 6. Located in Main it was the end of the five-month journey that began in Georgia.

Georgia To Maine In 5 Months: Gillette Man Hikes 2,198-Mile Appalachian Trail

About 3,000 people attempt the entire distance of the 2,198-mile Appalachian Trail every year. Only 1 in 4 make it. It took Gillette native Jordan Thorn five months to complete it, hitting the end of the trail on October 6 -- but was nearly derailed by illness 100 miles from the end.

Amber SteinmetzNovember 09, 2024

About a month before it was close, Wyoming photographer Tim Doolan hiked to the deck of the Black Mountain Lookout, at 9,400 feet elevation one of the highest points in the Bighorn Range. He captured stunning drone video and photos of the panoramic view. The lookout itself, however, has been shuttered for decades, and now the deck also is closed for repairs.

Black Mountain Lookout: The Best View In The Bighorns Has Seen Better Days

The 84-year-old Black Mountain Fire Lookout sits at an elevation of 9,400 feet and offers a spectacular panoramic view of Wyoming’s northern Bighorns. Although it's been boarded up for decades, the Forest Service is hoping it can be fixed and opened to the public.

Andrew RossiNovember 09, 2024

Are Coloradans Shooting At Wolves? Bullet Wound Sparks Speculation

A Colorado wolf found dead was killed by another wolf, but also had an old bullet wound, state officials reported this week. It’s sparked speculation that Coloradans have started taking potshots at wolves.

Mark HeinzNovember 09, 2024

Garrett Kalkowski and his father, Vince, along with their family and friends have hunted elk for years in the Meeteetse area. Garrett said the grizzly population there has been steadily increasing, and that he had to shoot and kill a grizzly on Oct. 3 to save him and his father from being mauled.

Wyoming Hunter Says 10 mm Pistol Saved Him And Dad From Grizzly Mauling

A Cody, Wyoming, hunter related Thursday how having a round chambered in his 10 mm pistol saved him and his dad from being mauled by a grizzly. The bear was just a few yards away when he shot it in self-defense.

Mark HeinzNovember 07, 2024

Now that the Pack Trail Fire is 95% confined, crews are busy doing controlled burns in Bridger-Teton National Forest in northwest Wyoming.

With Huge Late-Season Wildfires Under Control, Fire Crews Now Starting Fires

With two huge late-season wildfires under control, U.S. Forest Service crews are now busy catching up on the controlled burns they start on purpose.

Greg JohnsonNovember 07, 2024

A hunting accident 11 years ago left Idaho resident Tj Cartwright completely blind. But that didn’t stop him from taking up hunting again. He recently came to Wyoming and shot this whitetail buck in Park County.

Blind Hunter Shoots Wyoming Buck, Hopes To Inspire Others

Tj Cartwright was accidently shot in the face with a hunting arrow 11 years ago, leaving him completely blind. But he didn’t stop hunting, and shot a Wyoming buck this season.

Mark HeinzNovember 05, 2024

A brown bear turns and attacks a ranger in Armenia after being released.

Wyoming Experts Say Safety Rules Ignored In Bear Release That Ended In Attack

Armenian wildlife rangers ignored safety rules and did practically everything wrong in a viral video of a bear release gone wrong. Wyoming grizzly experts say the rangers are lucky nobody was killed when the brown bear turned and attacked.

Mark HeinzNovember 05, 2024

Good Business: National Outdoor Apparel Company Sends Handwritten Note About Hunting

Why would a Seattle couple who own a popular outdoor clothing company take the time to send handwritten notes to customers? It's good business. When a Wyoming customer purchased a couple shirts, they mentioned how they eloped on a hunting trip in Baggs, Wyoming.

Mark HeinzNovember 04, 2024

Teri Smith of Sheridan has enjoyed hunting Wyoming big game for years. She looks forward to mentoring other hunters, as the first Wyoming representative for the 10 Can Inc. Christian Adventure Network.

Despite Chronic Pain, Sheridan Woman Continues To Mentor Hunters

Sheridan resident Teri Smith was nearly killed in a head-on collision in 2001 and has suffered chronic pain since. That hasn’t stopped her from hunting and mentoring others.

Mark HeinzNovember 03, 2024

The water in a thermal pool bubbles in Yellowstone National Park, which sits atop a supervolcano.

Why A Far-Fetched NASA Idea To Cool Yellowstone’s Supervolcano Would Never Work

NASA scientists concocted an idea a decade ago to save the world from a civilization-ending eruption of the supervolcano underneath Yellowstone National Park. Although volcanologists shot it down, scientists are still talking about it.

Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024

Members of the Elk Fire Burned Area Emergency Response Team assess the damage left by the wildfire and what will need to be done to repair or mitigate damages or other threats, like potential for invasive weeds, mudslides and debris flows.

Scientists Map Out How Badly Elk Fire Damaged The 98,000 Acres It Ravaged

With the Elk Fire 88% contained and growing cooler, the problems are just beginning for the 98,000 acres of land ravaged by the wildfire. Scientists are now mapping out how badly the fire damaged the land and how to repair it.

Renée JeanNovember 03, 2024

Abyss Pool in the West Thumb Geyser Basin of Yellowstone National Park is getting hotter and changing colors, which scientists say may indicate it's building up to violently erupt. Then again, it may not.

Yellowstone’s Abyss Pool Is Getting Hotter, Changing Colors And Could Explode

Abyss Pool in the West Thumb Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park is getting hotter and changing colors. Scientists say the pool, where a human foot was found floating two years ago, could erupt violently in the near future.

Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024

Lynnette Turner-Parry sings "What A Wonderful World" during a candlelight vigil for Grizzly 399 on Nov. 2, 2024, in Jackson, Wyoming.

Mourners From Across Country Attend Candlelight Vigil For Grizzly 399 In Jackson

Mourners gathered in Jackson's Public Square on Saturday night to attend a candlelight vigil for Grizzly 399. “I’ve cried every night since she died,” said a woman who traveled from Oregon.

Andrew RossiNovember 03, 2024

A search is on for James Johnson of Encampment, Wyoming, who hasn't been heard from since leaving to go hunting in the Medicine Bow National Forest on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2024. His truck has been found, but not Johnson.

When Encampment Hunter James Johnson Got Lost, He Kept His Head & Built A Fire

James Johnson is an avid hunter and it's not like him to get lost. But when he did last Wednesday, he had two choices: keep searching to find his truck or use the fleeting sunlight to build a shelter and fire. He chose the latter and was found the next day.

Clair McFarlandNovember 02, 2024

Work progresses on a massive $118 million project to replace the Yellowstone River Bridge in the national park. The new bridge will be 180 feet tall and 1,285 feet long.

Yellowstone's New 180-Foot-Tall, 1,285-Foot-Long Bridge Set To Open In 2025

The $118 million project to replace the Yellowstone River Bridge requires "an orchestra of coordination." But the new 180-foot-tall, 1,285-foot-long bridge could be open to traffic by the end of 2025.

Andrew RossiNovember 02, 2024

Grizzly 399 with three of her four cubs in this undated photo.

Grizzly 399 Cremated, Ashes Scattered In Pilgrim Creek Area Of Grand Teton Park

Final closure to the story of Grizzly 399 came Friday when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced she had been cremated. The ashes of the world’s most famous bear were scatted in the Pilgrim Creek area of Grand Teton National Park.

Mark HeinzNovember 01, 2024

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

Serious Health Conditions Don’t Stop Kids From Hunting Wyoming Big Game

Kaden Achor might not be able to walk because of cerebral palsy, but that didn’t stop him from stalking a big Wyoming bull elk. He crawled the last 75 yards or so across rough ground between Farson and Lander, trying his best to dodge prairie cactus. Then he had to pull off a 500-yard shot.

Mark HeinzOctober 19, 2024

Despite the wet and snowy weather, fire crews continue working the Pack Trail Fire in northwest wyoming.

Evacuations Lifted For All But 1 Person In Path Of Massive Wyoming Wildfires

Evacuations have been lifted for all but 1 person in the path of two massive Wyoming wildfires on Saturday. Two days of rain and snow haven’t put out the Elk and Pack Trail fires, but has “really put a hurt” on them.

Greg JohnsonOctober 19, 2024

The least-used entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the Southwest Entrance (aka Cascde Corner or the Bechler Entrance) is a dirt road that leads to some spectacular waterfalls and a historic Army outpost.

Yellowstone’s Least-Used Entrance Leads To Waterfalls, Historic Army Outpost

Yellowstone refers to the Bechler region as the park’s least traveled entrance because it is so far from any developed areas inside or outside the park. The dirt road barely shows up on some maps, but leads to stunning waterfalls, fields of blue meadows, and an historic Army outpost.

Andrew RossiOctober 19, 2024

If Feds De-List Wolves, Will Other States Follow Wyoming’s Lead And Hunt Them?

The Fish & Wildlife Service is trying to remove federal protection for wolves across the Lower 48. If that happens, it would be up to the states whether to allow wolves to be hunted. Hunting is already allowed in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

Mark HeinzOctober 18, 2024

The face of the Bighorn Mountains over Dayton, Wyoming, are dusted with snow Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, a welcome sight from two weeks earlier when most of the mountain was glowing with a raging wildfire.

Snowstorm A “Thank You, God” Event For Those Living In Shadow Of Elk Fire

Seeing snow on the face of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains on Friday was a “thank you, God” moment for those threatened by the Elk Fire. It’s already burned 96,000 acres, but the storm has helped firefighters go from 28% containment to 44%.

Greg JohnsonOctober 18, 2024

This image from the Bear Lodge Resort webcam in the Wyoming Bighorns shows the arrival of much-anticipated snow. The lodge is near the Elk Fire, which has grown to about 96,000 acres.

Firefighters’ Prayers Answered With Snow Falling On Huge Wyoming Wildfires

Snow is finally falling on a pair of huge Wyoming wildfires. It’s literally the answer to the prayers of firefighters and locals living under the threat of the Elk and Pack Trail fires.

Renée JeanOctober 17, 2024

Opponents Say Proposed Colorado Mountain Lion Hunting Ban Is “Ballot-Box Biology”

Colorado voters on Nov. 5 will decide a proposed ban on mountain lion hunting. The ballot question has sparked a debate over what opponents call managing wildlife through “ballot-box biology.”

Mark HeinzOctober 16, 2024

This mule deer doe showed up Oct. 7 on Dave Paullin’s rural property near Sheridan. The burn marks on her flank indicate the she barely outran the massive Elk Fire, which exploded across eight miles the night before.

Spry Wyoming Doe Has Burn Marks To Prove She Outran Huge Elk Fire

A Sheridan-area resident said a mule deer doe showed up on his property bearing burn marks from having outrun the massive, fast-moving Elk Fire. The fire has burned more than 92,000 acres across the face of the Wyoming Bighorns.

Mark HeinzOctober 16, 2024

The Elk Fire remains active in northern Wyoming, putting out large plumes of smoke.

Sheridan Area Residents Cheer Forecast For 7-13 Inches Of Snow

People in Story and other communities along the Bighorns were literally cheering Wednesday when the weather forecast predicted 7-13 inches of snow. It will help, but it’s probably not a fire-killer.

Renée JeanOctober 16, 2024

Forest Service Won't Blow Up Dead Horses Due To Fire Danger

When a horse dies in the Wyoming backcountry, sometimes the best option is to blow it to pieces so it won’t attract grizzlies. In Wyoming right now, the U.S. Forest Service says the fire danger is too extreme to explode any dead backcountry horses.

Mark HeinzOctober 15, 2024

Portable water ponds set up at a home in the path of the Elk Fire. Dozer line and fire retardant have already been set in place to protect the home if and when the fire gets to this point. It's part of the structure protection measures put in place for homes in the area.

Massive Effort Building 7-Mile Line To Keep Elk Fire From Wyoming Towns

Firefighters have charred a 7-mile strip of ground between Big Horn and Story, starting from Goose Creek. It’s a buffer zone between Wyoming communities at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains that will act as a “catcher’s mitt” to stop the Elk Fire.

Renée JeanOctober 15, 2024

A small plane is seen from above making a run to drop retardant on spot fires burning in the Pack Trail Fire.

Elk, Pack Trail Fires Each Close In On 100,000 Acres, Snow Can’t Come Soon Enough

With Wyoming’s two active wildfires each closing in on 100,000 acres, snow expected for the end of the week can’t come soon enough. Even when it does, fire management officials say it won’t be enough to kill the Elk and Pack Trail fires.

Greg JohnsonOctober 15, 2024

A woman is mobbed by racoons in this video taken late Sunday in the parking lot of the downtown Casper Best Western hotel. A hotel employee said racoons are a common sight, but an entire mob of them, such as this, is almost unheard of.

Gang Of Raccoons Mobs Woman In Casper Hotel Parking Lot

A woman was mobbed by raccoons in a Casper hotel parking lot Sunday. A hotel employee said raccoons frequent the area, but don’t usually gang up on people.

Mark HeinzOctober 15, 2024

Volunteers remove debris from around Story homes to help protect them in case the Elk Fire gets too close.

Townspeople Of Story, Wyoming, Rally To Protect Homes In Path Of Huge Wildfire

It's a monumental challenge, but townspeople in the forested community of Story are rallying together to rid the area of pine needles, pine cones, and other fire fuels as the 90,000-acre Elk Fire gets closer and closer.

Renée JeanOctober 14, 2024

Logan Wilson has been using hound dogs to hunt mountain lions in Wyoming for about three years.

Mountain Lions Gobble Up Pets And Four Goats In Story, Wyoming

Mountain lions are killing pets and livestock, including four goats, in and around the tiny Wyoming mountain town of Story. An area houndsman has stepped in to help chase the lions out.

Mark HeinzOctober 14, 2024

A large jet tanker drops a load of retardant on the Elk Fire.

13 Aircraft Maintaining An All-Out Air Assault On 90,000-Acre Elk Fire

In addition to nearly 1,000 people fighting the Elk Fire on the ground, 13 aircraft are assigned to battle. It’s more than most fires get, and they’re maintaining an all-out aerial assault on the nearly 90,000-acre fire.

Renée JeanOctober 14, 2024

Three horses recently arrived at an animal rescue center near Cheyenne, including a mare and her foal, and another mare that is pregnant. The center’s director would like to know more about them and where they came from.

Group Of Horses May Have Been Left Homeless By Wyoming Wildfires

The owner of an animal rescue facility east of Cheyenne wants the previous owners of a mare, her foal, and another mare that's pregnant to know that the animals are safe and will be well-cared for. She wonders if they were forced to sell because of the wildfires.

Mark HeinzOctober 13, 2024

Jerry Nelson is a retired geology professor from Casper. He was once treed by a grizzly and credits the dogs he had with him at the time (not the dog pictured here) for helping to save the day.

Casper Man Says Climbing A Tree Saved Him From Grizzly Attack

A Casper man says he’s living proof that climbing a tree can help someone survive a grizzly attack because he did it in the 1970s when a bear charged him. He says his two black Labs played a big role too as they kept the mama grizzly and her two cubs busy while they waited it out.

Mark HeinzOctober 13, 2024

At the Elk View Inn near Dayton, the Elk Fire appears intimidating. Although an estimated 7-8 miles away, it appears huge and threatening. The inn is close to Antelope Butte, where a Spike Camp has been established.

Firefighting “Spike Camp” Near Burgess Junction Tackles Elk Fire From The West

The Elk Fire has burned about 87,000 acres on the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming. While most of the attention has been the fire’s relentless push southeast, a firefighting “spike camp” near Burgess Junction is fighting it from the west.

Renée JeanOctober 13, 2024

Aircraft continue to drop huge loads of fire retardant slurry around the Elk Fire to try and slow or halt it's spread and help establish fire lines.

Elk Fire Continues Its Southeast March, Grows Again To More Than 87,000 Acres

Like a column of soldiers, the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming continues its methodical — and at times seemingly relentless — march southeast. It’s grown again to more than 87,000 acres as of Sunday and a little less contained at 28%.

Greg JohnsonOctober 13, 2024

A firefighter picks up one of each type of lunch, vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

It Takes A Makeshift City To Support The Nearly 1,000 Elk Fire Firefighters

There are nearly 1,000 firefighters and support personnel assigned to the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team fighting the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming. It takes a makeshift city to support them all.

Renée JeanOctober 12, 2024

Two Ocean Creek in Wyoming's Teton Wilderness is the only body of water on the planet that splits and flows into both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Wyoming's Two Ocean Creek Is Only Body Of Water That Flows Into Atlantic And Pacific

Parting of the Waters deep in the Teton Wilderness is a uniquely Wyoming wonder where Two Ocean Creek splits, flowing into both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It’s the only body of water on the planet to do that.

Andrew RossiOctober 12, 2024

Firefighters on the ground do strategic burning to help gain control of the Elk Fire.

Stubborn Elk Fire Grows To Nearly 85,000 Acres, But Now 32% Contained

The huge Elk Fire in northern Wyoming continues to be a stubborn, dangerous event, growing to nearly 85,000 acres by Saturday. But firefighters are making significant progress, achieving 32% containment.

Greg JohnsonOctober 12, 2024

Park County voters line up to cast their ballots at the Cody Rec Center for the Aug. 20, 2024, Wyoming primary election.

Wyoming Hunters And Gun Owners Buck National Trend Of Not Voting

Nationwide apathy and distrust of government has caused a drop in hunters and gun owners registering to vote, reports Vote4America. But not in Wyoming, where hunters and gun owners buck that trend, likely because they feel supported by conservatives.

Mark HeinzOctober 11, 2024

A giant jackalope at the Douglas Railroad Museum.

The Hardest Part Of Making Jackalopes? Finding Enough Frozen Wyoming Jackrabbits

A Montana taxidermist who creates jackalope mounts says Wyoming jackrabbit carcasses are the best for them. But he’s having a hard time getting the 200-300 frozen carcasses a month he needs.

Mark HeinzOctober 11, 2024

The flames may seem ominous, but they're part of a strategic burn in the southern part of the Elk Fire overnight Thursday, as seen in this stunning photo taken by Jeffrey Shanor of Sheridan.

Fiery Glow On Bighorns Overnight Was Intentional Burning To Slow Elk Fire

Another night of watching the Bighorn Mountains glow above them made some living in the shadow of the Elk Fire nervous overnight Thursday. But the huge, scary and dramatic column of fire was part of a plan to save Sheridan’s water supply, as well as slow the fire down.

Renée JeanOctober 11, 2024

Jacob Williamson discovered a wildfire burning near Sheridan. He stopped, called it in, then got busy fighting it.

Fast-Acting WYDOT Worker Spots New Wildfire, Calls 911, Then Helps Put It Out

An alert Wyoming Department of Transportation worker spotted a new wildfire taking off 7 miles north of Sheridan along I-90. He called 911, then jumped into action himself, helping to put it out before the fire became a catastrophe.

Renée JeanOctober 11, 2024

Mike Parsley teaches dogs to recognize and avoid danger, like rattlesnakes. After hearing the story of a Wyoming dog caught in a beaver trap, he developed a course specifically for dogs to avoid them.

Wyoming Dog’s Death In Beaver Trap Inspires New Training Course

A Wyoming dog’s death in a beaver trap has inspired a first-of-its-kind training course for dogs. A trainer who already teaches dogs to avoid rattlesnakes and other dangers has added traps to the program.

Mark HeinzOctober 10, 2024

The Elk Fire has left the face of the Bighorn Mountains above Dayton, Wyoming, blackened.

Elk Fire Breaking The Rules Of Wildfires And ‘Is Behaving Like A Teenager’

The strategists in charge of battling the huge 76,000-acre Elk Fire in northern Wyoming say the stubborn blaze is breaking the rules of wildfires. One said it even seems oppositional to authority and “is behaving like a teenager.”

Renée JeanOctober 10, 2024

Warren Tritschler is a guy with a water tank and a garden hose, determined to do whatever possible to protect his home and his property. The Buckhorn Travel Center owner has started a fuel fund for other Hillbilly Hotshots, to help them with the cost of fuel for their trucks and their water pumps.

Armed With A Hose And Weed Sprayer, Wyoming Man Defends His Home From Elk Fire

Warren Tritschler defended his home in the Horseshoe subdivision near Dayton from the Elk Fire with a garden hose and a weed sprayer. He’s one of the many so-called “Hillbilly Hotshots” determined to help fight the huge wildfire.

Renée JeanOctober 09, 2024

Grazer has stuffed herself with so much Alaska salmon that she's been crowned the 2014 Fat Bear Week champion. She also won in 2023.

Gloriously Plump Mama Crowned Queen Of ‘Fat Bear Week’

Alaska brown bears gorge themselves on salmon for the upcoming winter, oblivious they’re competing for a coveted title — Fat Bear Week champion. This year’s winner is Grazer, a bulked-out bruin that ate her way to back-to-back titles.

Mark HeinzOctober 09, 2024

Firefighters attached to the Pack Trail Fire incident management team pore over a map of the fire, which clearly shows the Fish Creek Fire to the north and Pack Trail to the south that have merged into a single 66,000-acre fire complex.

Pack Trail Fire Still Growing In Northwest Wyoming, Now At 66,000 Acres

Much of Wyoming is watching the Elk Fire, which has threatened communities in Sheridan County. But the Pack Trail Fire started first in rugged northwest Wyoming. It’s at 66,000 acres and still growing.

October 09, 2024

Jill Valley of KPAX news in Missoula, Montana, was at Steamboat Geyeser in Yellowstone National Park to capture video of one of its infrequent eruptions on Oct. 7, 2024.

Steamboat, World’s Largest Geyser, Erupts For Fifth Time This Year

Steamboat Geyser, the largest in Yellowstone and the world, erupted for the fifth time this year Monday. After six years of active eruptions, volcanologists say Steamboat seems to be losing some steam.

Andrew RossiOctober 09, 2024

Mob Of 100 Hungry Raccoons Drives Woman From Her Home

After 100 raccoons invaded a Washington woman’s property and drove her from her home, things could end badly for the raccoons. Wyoming wildlife experts say it’s a lesson on why you shouldn’t feed wild animals.

Mark HeinzOctober 09, 2024

A fire crew maps out a plan of attack as a column of smoke rises from the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming.

Firefighters Hold Off Elk Fire As It Threatens Sheridan’s Water Supply

As the 76,000-acre Elk Fire continues to be active and push southeast along the face of the Bighorn Mountains, it’s threatening Sheridan’s water supply. The fire made a run at the Big Goose Water Treatment Plant early Wednesday.

Greg JohnsonOctober 09, 2024

Local residents near the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming are also helping to keep their homes and land from burning. They're affectionately called the Hillbilly Hotshots.

Rural Wyomingites — AKA Hotshot Hillbillies — Help Save 1887 Double Rafter Ranch

The Double Rafter Ranch has been a fixture in northern Wyoming since 1887. It’s still there, thanks in part to the local Hillbilly Hotshots — a group of self-appointed rancher-firefighters — who helped save it from the Elk Fire.

Renée JeanOctober 08, 2024

This Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter is specially designed for operations in high, rugged mountains. This Teton County Search and Rescue helicopter is specially designed for operations in high, rugged mountains.

Wyoming Search And Rescue Team Recovers Body From Remote Colorado Peak

After Colorado teams twice tried to recover a man’s body from a remote mountain peak, Teton County Search and Rescue recovered his remains last week. The Wyoming team had the right equipment and training to help bring closure for his family.

Mark HeinzOctober 08, 2024

Climbing A Tree To Escape A Grizzly Not The Best Idea, Outdoorsmen Say

In yet another conflict between a hunter and grizzly bears, a Montana man tried climbing a tree to escape one Saturday. It didn’t work. Grizzlies can climb too, and the hunter had to shoot the bear.

Mark HeinzOctober 08, 2024

Firefighters are nearby to fight the Elk Fire all around its perimiter and interior, where accessible.

“These Guys Are Heroes”: Locals Praise Crews Fighting 75,000-Acre Elk Fire

As firefighting crews continue to make progress on stemming the growth of the huge 75,000-acre Elk Fire in northeast Wyoming, locals are noticing. “These guys are heroes in my mind,” one lifelong Dayton resident said Tuesday.

Greg JohnsonOctober 08, 2024

Black Bear With Cubs Killed After Breaking Into Colorado Home

A black bear with three cubs broke into a Colorado couple’s home, attacked and injured a man. Game agents killed all four bears.

Mark HeinzOctober 08, 2024

A white-tailed jackrabbit in the brush at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Sweetwater County, Wyoming.

Why Wyoming Jackrabbits Are “Predatory” Animals, On Par With Coyotes And Wolves

In Wyoming, Jackrabbits are classified as “predatory” animals, on par with coyotes and wolves in about 85% of the state. It’s not because they kill livestock, but because they can devastate crops.

Mark HeinzOctober 07, 2024

A large herd of elk runs away from the Elk Fire in northern Wyoming.

Huge Wildfire Is Hammering ‘Elk Factory’ In Bighorns, Ruins This Year’s Hunting

The massive 73,000-acre Elk Fire near Dayton, Wyoming, has all but ruined the elk and deer hunting season in some premier areas. It's hammering the "elk factory" that is the Bighorns.

Mark HeinzOctober 07, 2024

A group of people watch as a ribbon of fire burns it way across the face of the Bighorns near Dayton and Parkman, Wyoming.

Crews “Ready To Go On The Offensive” Fighting Huge 73,000-Acre Elk Fire

For the first time since the Elk Fire literally blew up overnight more than a week ago, firefighters on Monday said they are preparing to attack the 73,000-acre wildfire rather than react to it. "We’re ready to go on the offense," one firefighter said.

Greg JohnsonOctober 07, 2024

Portrait of wildlands advocate Margaret Murie.

How Mardy Murie, Wyoming’s Grandmother Of Conservation, Inspired The Wilderness Act

From Alaska to Wyoming, Margaret “Mardy” Murie and her family were advocates for keeping the wilderness wild. Known as the Grandmother of Conservation, she and husband Olaus helped inspire the Wilderness Act.

Jackie DorothyOctober 06, 2024

The 2024 Wyoming Smokebusters, back row from left: Crew Supervisor Shawn Ankeny, Robert Zaragoza, Sheldon Buckingham, Bryce Teran, John Murphy, Module Leader Jeremy Deplitch, Joshua Cole, Randy Stephens, Walter Eiden, Kevin Brown and Crew Supervisor Lee Loberg. Front row: Jared Millard, Christopher Robertson, Zachary Manning, Tyler Jones, James Skinner and Jeremiah Carson.

Wyoming Inmates Put To Work During Heartbreaking Wildfire Season

With more than 700,000 acres burned due to wildfires across the state of Wyoming, resources are tapped. Thankfully a crew of inmates known as the Smokebusters are helping the firefighters. So far, they have worked on 26 fires in eight counties.

Jen KocherOctober 06, 2024

The small, rural Wyoming town of Dayton can only watch and pray as the Elk Fire burns across the mountain face of the Bighorns above.

Elk Fire Now At 74,000 Acres And Still Out Of Control, But Some Signs Of Hope

The Elk Fire burning in northern Wyoming remains out of control, dangerous and unpredictable. It’s now at 74,000 acres and growing, but some signs of hope as rancher says “positive energy” helped save her ranch.

Greg JohnsonOctober 06, 2024

Forest Service Shouldn’t Trade ‘Hidden Oasis’ Of Prime Hunting Land, Critics Say

Critics of a pending land exchange say a remote and rugged piece of federal land in the Laramie Range mountains is a paradise for hunters, and the U.S. Forest Service should keep it. It’s prime elk and bighorn sheep habitat – accessible only by foot or horseback.

Mark HeinzOctober 05, 2024

Ian Munsick Starts GoFundMe to Help His Hometown Communities With The Elk Fire

Although country superstar Ian Munsick is performing at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper on Saturday, his mind is on the Elk Fire -- which is threatening the communities in northern Wyoming where he grew up. Munsick's GoFundMe has already topped the $50,000 goal and is growing.

Renée JeanOctober 05, 2024

Coy Monroe, 14, of Encampment has already filled his 2024 big game archery tags – with an antelope, elk and deer. He hopes to get a mountain lion this winter.

Wyoming 14-Year-Old Bowhunter Has Banner Season, Gets Elk, Deer And Antelope

As October begins, many hunters are just getting started filling their tags for Wyoming’s three premier big game species – antelope, deer and elk. Coy Monroe, a 14-year-old from Encampment, is way ahead of everyone -- having already bagged all three, with his bow.

Mark HeinzOctober 05, 2024

As Elk Fire Rages, Dayton Watches While Mountain Above “Just Glowing Orange”

Folks in rural Dayton, Wyoming, were awakened at 3 a.m. Saturday and told to be ready to evacuate. Meanwhile, all they can do is watch as the Mountain above them is “just glowing orange.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 05, 2024

Montana Man, 81, Gets Prison For Scheme To Create Huge Hybrid Bighorn Sheep

An 81-year-old Montana man was sentenced to six months in prison this week for trying to create huge hybrid bighorn sheep using “Jurassic Park”-like techniques.

Mark HeinzOctober 04, 2024

View of the Fish Creek and Pack Trail fire area from the Gros Ventre.

Wyoming’s Pack Trail, Elk Fires Are Top Wildfire Priorities In Region

The Pack Trail Fire has burned nearly 20,000 acres in the Shoshoni National Forest and is expecting high winds to continue throughout the weekend. It and the Elk Fire in Sheridan County are the No. 1 wildfire priorities in the region.

Renée JeanOctober 04, 2024

In Brief: Grizzly Killed For Killing Dog, Raiding Camps In Beartooth Mountains

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says it killed a young male grizzly that was raiding camps in the Beartooth Mountains, then killed a hiker’s dog.

Mark HeinzOctober 04, 2024

The Elk Fire burns close to the town of Dayton, Wyoming.

No End In Sight For Folks In Path Of 51,000-Acre Elk Fire In Northern Wyoming

It may seem a little like “Groundhog Day” for folks in northern Wyoming in the path of the Elk Fire. The 51,000-acre wildfire is still uncontained, unpredictable and more of the same is expected.

Greg JohnsonOctober 04, 2024

Colorado Parks and Wildlife says that the wolf in this photo a lone leftover pup from the Copper Creek Pack. But others say it’s a small adult female wolf, perhaps from Wyoming.

Uncollared Wolf Spotted In Colorado May Have Come From Wyoming

An uncollared wolf spotted in northern Colorado has sparked controversy. Wildife officials say it’s lone pup from a pack they trapped, but others think it’s an adult from Wyoming.

Mark HeinzOctober 03, 2024

Andrew Johnson said he killed this mountain lion with a shovel late Sept. 25, when the big cat came directly for him and his dog at their campsite in Colorado.

Man Who Killed Mountain Lion With A Shovel Says It Came At Him ‘Low And Fast’

A man who killed a mountain lion with a shovel told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that he has no doubt the lion was trying to kill his dog. It came at them both “low and fast.”

Mark HeinzOctober 03, 2024

Highway 14 south of Dayton, Wyoming, remains closed because of the Elk Fire.

Elk Fire Now 50,000 Acres, Spreading “In All Directions” In Northern Wyoming

The unpredictable and dangerous Elk Fire burning west of Dayton and Parkman in northern Wyoming has grown to 50,000 acres. It’s also spreading “in all directions.”

Greg JohnsonOctober 03, 2024

Colorado Man Kills Mountain Lion With Shovel To Keep It From Eating His Dog

A Colorado man killed a mountain lion with a shovel to keep it from eating his dog last week, wildlife officials reported Wednesday. It’s an impressive feat, an experienced Wyoming mountain lion hunter said.

Mark HeinzOctober 03, 2024

$There are plenty of huge polar bears prowling near the oil fields of Alaska's North Slope, where Gillette resident Tex McBride works two to three weeks at a time.$

Gillette Welder Commutes To Alaska, Works Next To Polar Bears

Gillette's Tex McBride has an interesting commute. For two- to three-week stretches, he heads up to the North Slope of Alaska where he welds for an Arctic drilling company and frequently sees polar bears. “They’re frickin’ huge," he says. "It's frickin' awesome."

Mark HeinzOctober 02, 2024

At the Elk View Inn near Dayton, the Elk Fire appears intimidating. Although an estimated 7-8 miles away, it appears huge and threatening.

More Evacuations Ordered As Huge Wildfire Threatens Northern Wyoming Towns

Winds have blown the 32,000-acre Elk Fire toward the northern Wyoming town of Parkman, while also threatening nearby Dayton. Additional evacuations have been ordered with the weather forecast calling for even more wind.

Greg JohnsonOctober 02, 2024

A bear-resistant fence around the Wapiti Elementary School west of Cody keeps bears from climbing into the schoolyard.

Bear-Proof Fence, “Grizzly Drills” Just Routine At Wyoming’s Wapiti School

Wapiti Elementary School west of Cody is like many other rural Wyoming schools — except its surrounded by a bear-resistant fence. Teachers running “grizzly drills” with kids is part of the routine.

Mark HeinzOctober 01, 2024

The fast-growing Pack Trail Fire just southeast of the Fish Creek Fire has grown rapidly, with firefighting crews now treating the two fires as a single Fish Creek/Pack Trail complex. Both are burning in the Shoshone National Forest and threatening Highway 26 and nearby residential areas.

At 18,000 Acres And No Containment, Reinforcements Called In For Pack Trail Fire

After blowing up to 18,000 acres with 0% containment, the Pack Trail Fire has prompted evacuations and closures. Reinforcements are on the way, with a complex incident management team on the way.

Renée JeanOctober 01, 2024

The Elk Fire burns down the face of the Bighorns over Dayton, Wyoming.

Dayton Watched As Mountain Above Them Burned

Not many of Dayton, Wyoming’s, 830 residents got much sleep Sunday night as they watched the Elk Fire burn down the mountain face above them. The fire didn’t get to the town, but has grown to about 32,000 acres.

Greg JohnsonOctober 01, 2024

A vocal crowd showed up to give comment to the Joint Travel, Recreation and Wildlife Resources Committee meeting at the Wyoming Capitol in Cheyenne on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Most spoke against a proposed bill that stops short of banning running down wolves and other predators with snowmobiles.

Wyoming Legislators Stop Short Of Banning Running Over Wolves With Snowmobiles

Despite calls to criminalize running down Wyoming wolves with snowmobiles, a legislative committee Monday advanced a bill that stops short of banning it. It would require the animal to be immediately killed if run down.

Mark HeinzSeptember 30, 2024

It may seem like deja vu for folks at the Brooks Lake Lodge and surroundings areas as a huge plume of smoke rises from the nearby Pack Trail Fire, which blew up to nearly 20,000 acres overnight Sunday.

Wildfire Rages To 18,000 Acres In Bridger-Teton Forest, Pulling Crews Off Nearby Fire

A lightning strike deep in Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest blew up overnight Sunday to nearly 18,000 acres. It also prompted new evacuation orders for Brooks Lake and Lava Mountain Lodges, as well as ranches and the KOA campground.

Renée JeanSeptember 30, 2024

Hunter’s Pistol Jam During Grizzly Attack Could Have Been Because Of Ammo, Grip

An archery hunter’s Glock pistol jamming on him twice during a Wyoming grizzly attack Thursday could have been due to a variety of factors. But gun experts say he did well in terrifying situation.

Mark HeinzSeptember 30, 2024

The Elk Fire burning in northern Wyoming has prompted evacuations and concern from people who live near the fire's path, particularly the communties of Dayton and Parkman.

More Evacuations Ordered For People In Path Of 25,000-Acre Elk Fire

Some people were evacuated over the weekend and more Monday as the 25,000-acre Elk Fire near Dayton in northern Wyoming continues to burn. The growth of the fire slowed Monday, but it's still uncontrolled and a threat to homes in its path.

Renée JeanSeptember 30, 2024

Eric Widmaier of Maryland loves to hunt in Wyoming. To get the choice cuts of game meat – backstraps and tenderloins – back home, he seals them inside a soft-sided cooler. He takes the cooler aboard the airplane as part of his carry-on luggage. He'll ship the rest back to be delivered on his front porch, which can coat $600-$800.

How Out-Of-State Hunters Get Their Game Meat Back Home

Hunters who come from all over the country for Wyoming’s legendary big game face a quandary — how to get all that meat back home. The solutions are varied, but rarely cheap.

Mark HeinzSeptember 29, 2024

Chester, a packhorse from Utah, was photographed Tuesday on a county road near Bondurant after he went missing for four days and five nights in the Wyoming wilds. He was caught early the next day.

The Adventures Of Chester, A Runaway Packhorse In The Wilds Of Wyoming

Chester is a huge roan packhorse from Utah that disappeared for five nights in the remote wilds of Wyoming and was found on a country road in Bondurant last week. He survived in bear and wolf country, but his adventures will remain a mystery.

Mark HeinzSeptember 29, 2024

Training Captain Brian Lash is on a two-week rotation piloting an MD-87 tanker, dropping slurry on a host of Wyoming wildfires from a newly opened tanker hub at Casper-Natrona International Airport.

Pilots Drop Water And Slurry Bombs Like They're At War With Wyoming Wildfires

Along with hundreds of firefighters on the ground, Wyoming’s huge summer wildfires have been attacked from the air. Pilots like Brian Lash drop water and slurry bombs like they're at war with the fires.

Dale KillingbeckSeptember 29, 2024

Chase Melton, 19, of Sugar Camp, Wisconsin, said he shot this wolf in self-defense after he and two kids he took duck hunting in Wisconsin were surrounded by a wolf pack. Unlike in Wyoming, wolves can’t be legally hunted in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Duck Hunter Claims He Killed Wolf In Self Defense; Case Under Investigation

A Wisconsin duck hunter said he was surrounded by a pack of aggressive wolves and shot one in self-defense. Unlike in Wyoming, wolves remain federally protected in Wisconsin and can’t be hunted. The man says he's confident he'll be cleared.

Mark HeinzSeptember 28, 2024

Now 4 Grizzlies Have Drowned In A Canal Near Cody; Advocates Say Bear Ladders Needed

When grizzlies enter the canal, they find out too late that they can’t climb back out of the concrete lining, so they become exhausted and eventually drown. A former federal ecologist and bear advocate says installing ladders on both sides would prevent that from happening.

Mark HeinzSeptember 28, 2024

Belgian Pool in Yellowstone National Park.

Inside Yellowstone: Belgian Pool Named For Tourist From Belgium Who Fell In And Died

When Yellowstone became the first national park in 1872, Belgian Pool was known as Oyster Spring. It was renamed to Belgian Pool in 1929, when a newspaper editor from Belgium fell in the 180 degree water and died.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

Hunters take heed: Bears with huge appetites are roaming the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem eating everything and anything they can get. It’s more than just the bears being gluttons, because not bulking up enough this time of year can mean life or death for the bruins.

Yellowstone Bears Are In Pig-Out Mode, Eating 20,000 Calories A Day

With hibernation right around the corner, the bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are in full-on pig-out mode, eating 20,000 calories a day. That means it's more dangerous for people visiting their habitat. Nobody wants to run into a hangry grizzly in the fall.

Andrew RossiSeptember 28, 2024

Landon Clement says "the Lord was looking out for me" when he survived a grizzly attack while bowhunting in Wyoming on Sept. 26, 2024.

Hunter Who Survived Wyoming Grizzly Attack Says “It Felt Like A Freight Train”

An archery hunter from Georgia attacked by a Wyoming grizzly Thursday says “it felt like a freight train” had hit him. He told Cowboy State Daily he “saw nothing but her head and her white teeth coming right at me.”

Mark HeinzSeptember 27, 2024

The plains burned after the House Draw Fire moved through the area off Buffalo Sussex Cutoff Road.

Nearly 600,000 Acres Have Burned During Wyoming’s Powder-Keg Summer

Much of Wyoming has been a powder keg for wildfires this summer, with nearly 600,000 acres burned in the northeast part of the state — 13 times more than last summer.

Greg Johnson & Andrew RossiSeptember 27, 2024

Hunter Attacked, Severely Bitten By Grizzly In Western Wyoming

A 31-year-old archery hunter from Georgia was attacked by a grizzly early Thursday in Wyoming’s Upper Green River Valley. He suffered severe bite wounds to his thigh before shooting the bear dead with his handgun in self-defense.

Mark HeinzSeptember 26, 2024

In Anticipation Of Grizzly Delisting, Montana Tracks How Many Grizzles Died, And Why

As Montana looks forward to grizzlies possibly being delisted, the state is tracking how bears there die and why. With 2,000 bears, Montana has by far the most grizzlies in the Lower 48.

Mark HeinzSeptember 25, 2024

Climbing Community Hit “Hard” By Death Of Devils Tower Climber

News of a climber falling to his death Sunday at Devils Tower has hit the climbing community “pretty hard.” A Gillette climber who’s tackled Devils Tower nearly 150 times says even “easy” routes take skill and attention.

Andrew RossiSeptember 24, 2024

One of five wolves reintroduced to northern Colorado in December 2023.

Even After Pack Removed, Wolves Killing Colorado Cattle, More Coming From Canada

Even after removing a pack of wolves in northern Colorado, cattle are still getting killed by the predators. Meanwhile, that state’s controversial introduction program continues with more wolves coming from Canada.

Mark HeinzSeptember 24, 2024

Austin King has been missing since summiting Eagle Peak in Yellowstone National Park on Sept. 17.

Best Friend Of Yellowstone Hiker Missing A Week Waits At Camp, Desperate For News

Desmond McGroarty, lifelong best friend of missing Yellowstone hiker Austin King, is desperately hoping he’s found alive. He’s at the concessions village where they'd both been working, eager for any news.

Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2024

Climber Dies After Fall From Devils Tower, Partner Rescued

A 21-year-old climber from Wisconsin died after a fall while climbing Devils Tower on Sunday. He was climbing with a partner, who became stranded and was rescued.

Andrew RossiSeptember 24, 2024

Grizzly 399 and her cub Spirit caused some “bear jams” on the roads in Grand Teton National Park earlier this summer.

Grizzly 399 And Huge Cub Have Been “Elusive,” But Not Feared Dead Or Missing

Grizzly 399, Wyoming’s most beloved wildlife celebrity, and her huge cub Spirit have been “elusive” lately. But those who have closely followed her for years aren’t worried, at least not yet.

Mark HeinzSeptember 23, 2024

Karley and Craig Summit of Omaha, Nebraska, are the makers of the Squallet, a wallet made from a squirrel pelt, and other wildlife fur products. They have strong Wyoming connections and love hunting here.

The ‘Squallet’ Was Conceived In Wyoming; Its Makers Love Coming Back For Elk Hunts

The idea for 'squallets' — wallets made from dead squirrels — was conceived in Wyoming. Now it's a profitable business and the inventors, from Omaha, love coming back to the Cowboy State for elk hunts. They had their last successful hunt in Wyoming last weekend.

Mark HeinzSeptember 22, 2024

Morning Glory Pool Used To Be Brilliant Blue Until Tourists Ruined It

Morning Glory Pool near Old Faithful was once one of the most beautiful thermal pools in Yellowstone National Park. It was a brilliant clear blue, but lost its color after decades of tourists throwing stuff in it.

Andrew RossiSeptember 21, 2024

Brief: Man Survives Bear Attack In Glacier National Park, Then Walks A Mile To Helicopter

A 35-year-old man was attacked by a bear while hiking in Glacier National Park on Thursday. The injured man then walked a full mile to where a helicopter extricated him to safety.

Andrew RossiSeptember 21, 2024

Left: David Mercado of Casper loves going into Wyoming’s most remote wild places to hunt elk. His son, Gary Barkley (rear) frequently goes with him. Middle and right: David Mercado of Casper had to call in a rescue chopper for his friend Neil Richard of Texas, after Richard was bucked from his horse and suffered a broken femur while hunting elk in remote backcountry near Dubois.

Casper Man’s Elk Hunt From Hell: Broken Bones, Chopper Rescue And Grizzly Attack

A Casper man’s elk hunt in the Wyoming wilderness turned into the hunt from hell, including a broken leg, grizzly attack and runaway horses. But everybody made it out alive.

Mark HeinzSeptember 20, 2024

A female grizzly with three cubs showed up early Tuesday and again early Wednesday in the camp of bowhunter Bruce Cooper in the Wyoming Range – and these photos were captured on his security camera. He decided not to go back Thursday “because of safety concerns.”

For Grizzly Defense Handguns, Hunters Prefers Magnum Revolvers Or 10 mm Pistols

Opinions vary on what’s the best handgun to carry for grizzly defense in Wyoming. Magnum-caliber revolvers and 10 mm semiautomatic pistols seem to be the most popular with hunters.

Mark HeinzSeptember 19, 2024

A pair of white-tailed deer graze on sagebrush in this file photo.

Hunters Can Go After White-Tailed Deer On Elk Refuge Near Jackson

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department wants hunters to shoot more white-tailed deer in the Jackson area. That’s where whitetails compete with coveted mule deer herds.

Mark HeinzSeptember 19, 2024

Firefighting crews expect to achieve 100% containment on the Short Draw Fire on Friday, Sept. 19, 2024.

Five Homes, 31 Outbuildings Burned By Short Draw Fire

With 100% containment expected Friday, an inventory of what was lost to the Short Draw Fire is in — five homes and 31 outbuildings. The wildfire has burned about 35,000 acres in northern Wyoming and southern Montana.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 19, 2024

Chris Clemmens of Georgia has already been on one Wyoming elk hunt – through a program that allows Wyoming residents to donate their tags to disabled veterans. He can’t wait to come out again this year.

Purple Heart Army Vet Thrilled To Get Coveted Wyoming Elk Hunt

Chris Clemmens of Georgia is a decorated Army combat veteran who loves Wyoming. He's thrilled about an upcoming elk hunt here through a program that donates hunting tags to veterans.

Mark HeinzSeptember 18, 2024

Though he was struck by a car and severely injured a couple of years ago, a mule deer buck in Rock Springs that people call Steve the Survivor still loves hanging out with other deer and eating crabapples.

Rock Springs Loves Steve, A Mule Deer With Gnarled Antlers And Missing A Hoof

There’s a reason folks in Rock Springs, Wyoming, love a resident deer they call Steve the Survivor. With gnarled antlers and missing a hoof, Steve is “a symbol of perseverance,” says one local fan.

Mark HeinzSeptember 17, 2024

Rocky Mountain Grizzlies Keep Getting Shot By Bowhunters With Handguns

So far this archery hunting season, three grizzly bears have been shot — and two killed — by bowhunters wielding handguns in self-defense. Wildlife observers and hunters believe conflicts will escalate because of the popularity of bowhunting and the increasing numbers of bears.

Mark HeinzSeptember 17, 2024

An aerial view of the Short Draw Fire shows acres of black and burned wildland while a homestead that's been saved from the flames.

Short Draw Fire 65% Contained, But Igniting Underground Coal Seams

Wildland firefighting crews have gained 65% containment of the Short Draw Fire in northeast Wyoming and southern Montana. But they’re also now fighting coal seam fires ignited by the wildfire.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 17, 2024

With $2.7 Million In Donations, $28 Million Wildlife Crossing Near Dubois Closer To Reality

A much-anticipated wildlife crossing near Dubois is closer to reality now than $2.7 million has been raised in private donations. Hundreds of mule deer are killed each year on U.S. Highway 26. Construction on the $28 million project will begin in 2027.

Mark HeinzSeptember 17, 2024

Every year when a huge elk herd returns to Estes Park, Colorado, they make it their town.

It’s A Wonder More People Don’t Get Stomped By Estes Park’s Urban Elk

Estes Park, Colorado, is essentially an urban elk preserve. Locals love the huge herd of elk that takes over the town a couple times a year, but resent tourists acting like idiots and getting too close.

Mark HeinzSeptember 16, 2024

Sadie Swartzfager, 14, of Pennsylvania – in the orange hat – joined family and friends in celebrating getting her first elk in Wyoming.

Dying Pennsylvania Man’s Wish Was A Wyoming Elk And Deer Hunt For His Daughter

Dying from cancer, one of a Pennsylvania man’s last wishes was a first Wyoming elk and deer hunt for his 14-year-old daughter. Thanks to a Gillette-area Airbnb owner and outfitter, they got that dream hunt.

Mark HeinzSeptember 15, 2024

As evacuation orders are lifted, some people in the path of the Short Draw Fire are returning to find their homes gone. That was the case for Cheyenne and Jesse Raymond, who posted to Facebook about the devastation of finding their home had burned.

Families Devastated To Find Homes Burned As Short Draw Fire Evacuations Lifted

Evacuation orders in northern Wyoming and southern Montana have been lifted for folks in the path of the Short Draw Fire. But some families are devastated to find they no longer have homes to return to.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 15, 2024

Hoback is a moose that lives in Grand Teton National Park, and his fans say he’s the biggest bull moose in the park. He’s pictured here shedding the “velvet” (a natural growth membrane) from his antlers.

Videographer Catches Hoback, Teton Park’s Famously Huge Moose, Shedding Velvet

It took her six years, but a West Yellowstone photographer finally captured video of Hoback the moose shedding his antler velvet. Hoback is well-known, among wildlife photographers, as one of the largest bull moose in Grand Teton National Park.

Mark HeinzSeptember 14, 2024

Left: At just 13 years old, Russell Goolsbey of Powell did what many seasoned hunters only dream of, shooting a mountain goat in northwest Wyoming’s backcountry. Right: At just 12 years old, Rhett Goolsbey did what many seasoned hunters only dream of, shooting a bighorn ram in northwest Wyoming’s backcountry.

Draws Of A Lifetime: Powell Boys Get Sheep, Mountain Goat Tags On 1st, 2nd Tries

Some Wyoming hunters try for decades to draw hunting tags for bighorn sheep or mountain goats and still don’t get one. A pair of Powell farm boy had draws of a lifetime, each getting one — one on his first try and the other his second.

Mark HeinzSeptember 13, 2024

Yoder Volunteer Fire Department Brush Truck 31 saved this home on the overnight shift Thursday night and Friday morning fighting the Short Draw Fire near Recluse, Wyoming. The truck is crewed by Caleb Anderson and Abigail Anderson — a brother/sister firefighting team — and Whitman Jones.

Evacuations Still In Place As Volatile Northeast Wyoming Wildfire Threatens Homes

Firefighters on both side of the Wyoming-Montana border report progress battling the 40,000-acre Short Draw Fire. But evacuation orders remain in place as the fire is still unpredictable and threatening homes.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 13, 2024

Intense flames driven by wind has grown the Short Draw Fire burning in northern Wyoming and southern Montana to more than 30,000 acres as of Thursday night, Sept. 12, 2024.

Crews Work Furiously To Save Homes From Huge Wildfire In Northeast Wyoming

Firefighting crews on both sides of the Wyoming-Montana border are working furiously to save homes and ranches from a volatile and out-of-control wildfire. The Short Draw Fire has so far burned 30,500 acres.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 13, 2024

Wyoming Delegation Will Not Support Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act

Wyoming’s congressional delegation on Thursday said they do not support a bill that would prohibit killing wolves with snowmobiles. Further, they said states that don’t have snowmobiling should say out of the West’s business.

Mark HeinzSeptember 12, 2024

One-year-old Lainey Seely was napping in a kiddie pack on the back of her dad, Ryder Seely, as he stalked to within bowshot range of this impressive southeast Wyoming buck.

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

Crews from the Tongue River Electric Cooperative work in the dark to try and save power poles from the Short Draw Fire.

Huge Wildfire In Northeast Wyoming Now 30,500 Acres And Growing Fast

A wildfire north of Recluse, Wyoming, near the Montana border has exploded to an estimated 30,500 acres and is growing fast. People in the area have been urged to evacuate as the fire burns uncontrolled.

Greg JohnsonSeptember 12, 2024

A snowmobile chases a wolf across a snowy landscape in Canada.

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

Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer, 20, of Michigan, allegedly shot and killed nine deer in Cody with a bow and left the carcasses.

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

A pair of deer walk through the city of Cody, Wyoming. A man is facing 18 charges for allegedly killing nine deer from an urban herd of deer in the city and leaving their carcasses around town.

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

Warm Springs Fire from about half a mile away as fire crews set up near the fire line.

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

Amber Travsky tries her hand at a primitive weapon called an atlatl at the Wyoming Archeology Fair in Larmie on Saturday.

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

Waterfowl numbers in Canada breeding grounds are the highest they’ve been in nearly a decade – but only nasty winter weather will drive those ducks and geese south, where Wyoming hunters will have a crack at them.

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

Andy James leans on his Pulaski in more ways than one. It's great for chopping wood or digging in the dirt. It's also a great reminder of the Big Burn in Idaho in 1910 — a cautionary tale for any firefighter who fights wildfire.

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

Skunk Geoff Kuchera via Addobe Stock 9 8 24

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

Though they’re frequently spotted alone, most coyotes are members of a mated pair, and frequently an entire pack.

‘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

Cody resident David Ball was hunting in Namibia, Africa last week, when a deadly black mamba snake appeared in camp. He shot and killed the snake, which measured out to 7 feet, 4 inches long.

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

The Fish Creek Fire in northwest Wyoming threatens to jump Highway 26/287.

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

The Fish Creek Fire continues to burn in rugged territory, consuming beetle-killed timber.

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

People who showed up to the Treatment of Predators Working Group meeting at the Wyoming Capitol on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, found that the group was meeting via Zoom and they couldn't comment.

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

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik plans to retire on Sept. 11. He’s worked for the agency since 1995 in a variety of roles, including as a game warden, regional wildlife supervisor and chief game warden.

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

The Fish Creek Fire burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest of northwest Wyoming.

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

The antlers on this bull moose in the Bighorn Mountains still have some growing to do, but his body is already super-sized.

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

The Broadus Volunteer Fire Department out of Montana has sent engines and personnel to help fight the Silver Spoon Fire.

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

Delcy Bayles shared photos and a report from her ranch near where the Silver Spoon Fire is burning in northeast Wyoming.

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

The Silver Spoon Fire burning in northeast Wyoming, as seen from the entrance to the Silver Spoon Ranch.

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

Crews respond to one of a pair of large wildfires burning near Gillette. Now Campbell County Fire Department is being aggressive with a new fire reported Sunday north near the Montana border.

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

Devil's Canyon crew hikes up a hill while fighting the South Fork Lyons Fire in Montana.

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

A pair of Washington state game wardens wear body cameras, which all of the state's game wardens will be required to wear starting next month.

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

Bill Van Den Ouden sits at the Safari Club bar with his friend, John Cordova. He and his wife, Maria Van Den Ouden, had come back to visit Thermopolis specifically to show their family friend the large taxidermy collection that they first saw with their kids over two decades prior.

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

This photo of a big cat in Rock Springs was shared by Lynell Williams in the Sweetwater County Rants and Raves Facebook group in July. She says the photos were taken from about 150 yards away and that "it's not a bobcat."

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

The Rosebud County Sheriff's Office in Montana continues to work around the Remington Fire, which started in Wyoming and pushed north into Montana.

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

Huge Wyoming wildfires have devastated large areas of forage for wildlife and lifestock.

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 are on site at the Brooks Lake Lodge to protect the historic site as well as train for fighting the Fish Creek Fire if or when it advances close to residential areas.

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

Wyoming State Forester, Kelly Norris, tells a packed crowd at a fire meeting at Cam-Plex Tuesday night how lightning strikes exacerbated the fire conditions in Campbell and surrounding counties between Aug. 20-21.

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

A lone wolf in Yellowstone National Parks makes a bold, but futile attempt to chase down a cow elk, before other elk join in and send the wolf scrambling.

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

A large plume of smoke rises from the Constitution Fire northeast of Gillette, which is also burning in some timber, which is more difficult to fight.

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

A bulldozer helps create fire lines to gain containment on the Remington Fire.

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

Three wolf pups are seen playing in this screenshot from video, taken earlier this month in the Colorado mountains. At one point, the video pans to show two Jack Russel terries that seem alert, but not afraid, as they watch from the cab of a pickup.

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

Firefighters work to protect the 102-year-old historic Brooks Lake Lodge from the Fish Creek Fire burning in northwest Wyoming.

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

A pair of pronghorn in an area recovering from a wildfire in this file photo.

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

Even in blazing heat, it’s possible to have a successful archery hunt, said prominent Wyoming Outdoorsman Guy Eastman. He bagged this Wyoming antelope in 90-degree heat.

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

Ryan Bogers, co-owner of the Tongue River Marina in the Tongue River Reservoir State Park in southeastern Montana, stands along the burned area of the Barber Draw Fire that threatened his marina store and other buildings surrounding the reservoir.

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

On the fire lines battling the Remington Fire.

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

This pair of Canada geese has been arriving each spring in Shery Jespersen’s barnyard near Upton for 24 years.

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

A locked gate blocks access to the west end of the Boswell Road, off Highway 230 in southern Albany County.

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

Bears that come too close to humans are usually captured and release — as shown in this Wyoming Game and Fish file photo — rather than killing them, which is a last resort.

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

A wall of smoke rises from the edge of the House Draw Fire in this image shared by Triple Three Outfitters.

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

Cleanup continues after a devasting hailstorm that dropped baseball-sized stones at Devils Tower and closed the monument. At the KOA campground near the base of the tower, they've been repairing damage and clearing away more than 200 trees that were downed by the storm.

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

The area known as Adobe Town in Wyoming's Red Desert is part of the 3.6 million acres in soutwest Wyoming impacted by the BLM's Rock Springs Resource Management Plan.

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

Wildfire burns overnight in northern Wyoming, forcing evacuations and putting others on notice of possible evacuations.

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

Smoke billows up from the Fish Creek Fire in northwest Wyoming.

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

The Fish Creek Fire has burned more than 1,700 acres as of Monday afternoon and is 0% contained. It's burning in the Bridger-Teton Naitonal Forest about 7 miles southwest of Togwotee Pass.

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

A polar bear/grizzly hybrid is called a “grolar" or "pizzly," depending on who you ask.

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

People crowding wildlife — trying to outdo each other to get the best photo — is increasingly a problem in Wyoming.

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

There’s a dispute over exactly where the boundary line is between land owned by the South Dakota ranchers Heather and Charles Maude and national grassland controlled by the Forest Service. The couple was served federal indictments alleging theft of government property.

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

Madison Findley-Dickson, 3, was attacked by a black bear in her tent at a private campground near Yellowstone National Park on Sunday night, Aug. 11, 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

Heather and Charles Maude, owners of Maude Hog & Cattle near Caputa, South Dakota, were each served with separate federal indictments over a fence line dispute with the U.S. Forest Service.

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

Huge brown bear cubs at the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary in Alaksa.

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

Climbing up the cliff side with spotters pointing out the best route at Wagonhound Off-Road Park.

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

Wildlife photographer Pete Arnold captured this perfect moment with burrowing owls by putting a GoPro camera near their burrow on the edge of Cheyenne, and setting it to take photos every five seconds.

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

Owen Miller used a traditional recurve bow to kill this huge cinnamon-colored black bear in southern Wyoming. It’s in the running to be one of the biggest bears ever taken in the state.

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

An old injury, possibly from fighting with another deer, caused this mule deer buck’s rare club-shaped antler. A Green River homeowner said the buck’s been hanging out in his yard.

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 sparks burst from the muzzle of an historically authentic black powder cartridge rifle during a shooting match at the Smithmoor BPCR Range near Carpenter on Thursday.

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

A badger that was captured in Casper adjusts to its new home, right near a prairie dog town. Prairie dogs are badgers’ favorite prey.

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

A Wyoming bull elk with a group of females.

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

The Clearwater fire burning in the Shoshoni National Forest east of Yellowstone and near Wapiti, Wyoming.

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

A Minnesota man posted photos of how his Cybertruck withstood an assault by raccoons. What people have been quick to point out is the critters think it looks like a dumpster.

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

The hills were blackened by the Pleasant Valley Fire to the east of Wyoming 270 that runs from Guernsey to Hartville.

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

Susannah Bletner of Lander captured this video of two large male Western diamondback rattlesnakes “dancing” in Sinks Canyon. It turns out the snakes were actually wrestling for territorial dominance.

“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

The Clearwater fire burns in the Shoshoni National Forest near the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park.

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

Zach Martin and Konner Hafner of Rock Springs wanted a place to shoot near town during the evenings, without the setting sun in their eyes. So they set up this steel plate target, east of town and left it there for everybody to use.

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

The Wildcat Creek Fire southeast of Wright, Wyoming, has burned more than 17,000 acres and is about 30% contained, fire officials report.

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

A small herd of bison in a pen awaiting their release onto the Wind River Reservation in 2017.

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

Canadian Cree Bella Twin, 63 at the time, poses with the hide of huge grizzly bear and the single-shot .22 rifle she used to kill the bear in 1953.

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

More than 200 people showed up at the Guernsey-Sunrise High School to hear Goshen and Platte County emergency officials update them on the latest with the Pleasant Valley Fire, which has burned more than 26,000 acres.

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

Amanda Wylie of Queens, New York, fell in love with the West after a trip to Yellowstone years ago. This year, she had a terrifying close encounter with a grizzly in Montana’s Glacier National Park, but said she still wants to keep hiking out West.

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

Firefighters continue to battle Wyoming largest active wildfire, the 26,000-acre Pleasant Valley Fire near Hartville just north of Guernsey. As of Saturday morning, it was 30% contained.

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

A herd of Wyoming elk take a break at the foot of the Grand Tetons.

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

A dramatic video of the aftermath of the Black Diamond Pool explosion July 23 resembles a war zone. The event also is an opportunity for research, and the park has put out a call for help in studying what happened.

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

A large wildfire comes right up to Highway 26 in eastern Wyoming.

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

Colorado Parks and Wildlife aircraft that looped over Wyoming this week was monitoring fish in high alpine lakes and doing pronghorn surveys, the agency says, not tracking wolves.

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

Abandoned or hazardous fences cause the deaths of countless wild animals around Wyoming.

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

Carly Wood, 12, and her 10-year-old brother, who goes by his nickname “Critter,” raise 4-H sheep on the family’s property in Grand County, Colorado.

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

The issue of anglers carrying firearms may be a debate in other states, but not Wyoming.

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

Discarded tear and trash litters one of the Mount Everest base camps in this 2018 photo.

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

A momma grizzly and her cub tussle over a scrap of food, with the cub apparently prevailing, early Wednesday in Yellowstone National Park.

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

Genetically-altered “Trojan” male brook trout were recently dumped into Game Creek, in the upper Snake River Drainage. They’ll turn the entire brookie population there male, so it will die off and make room for cutthroat trout. (Courtesy of Wyoming Game and Fish Department)

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 769 was a well-known Yellowstone Park Bear. He started breaking into homes in and around Gardiner Montana, and wildlife agents shot the bear last week and left its carcass in the Yellowstone River, with the head and paws removed.

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

Park County has won a competive process to be home to a new $10 million Wyoming state shooting complex. It will be built on land about 7 miles south of Cody oaff Highway 120.

$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

Images from a video taken by the Steve and Vlada family shows a violent eruption of Black Diamond Pool in Yellowstone National Park on July 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

Wild Horse advocate Gail Bumsted addresses protestors overlooking the Bureau of Land Management mustang holding corrals just north of Rock Springs on Monday.

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

Mount Moran in Grand Teton National Park is shrouded in haze from wildfires in this file photo.

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

The Draper Natural History Museum wants to hear from people who have seen pinyon jays in their yards at bird baths or feeders.

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

A vehicle covered with dissolved silica in the Noris Geyser Basin parking lot in Yellowstone National Park. The dissolved silica is in the water erupted from the 400-foot Steamboat Geyser and left behind when the water evaporates.

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

A Raccoon named Rico has adapted well to living with a family near Lander, but a Riverton veterinarian who has treated many of the critters said raccoons generally don’t make good pets.

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

Wildlife observers and officials are keeping a keen eye out for Grizzly 610 after she was hit by a vehicle.

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

Emergency responders evacuate Schwahn hours after he got bit by a rattlesnake on Heart Mountain.

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

Mac McCumber takes aim during the shotgun competition while his squad leader, Hayden Overfield (far left) and teammate, Logan Dafoe (far right) wait their turn in line.

700 4H Kids Competed In the 2024 Wyoming State Shoot Last Weekend

Nearly 700 4H kids from all across Wyoming were in Douglas last weekend at the 2024 Wyoming State Shoot. The 4Hers competed in archery, and in different gun categories including shotgun, .22 rifle, .22 pistol, air rifle, air pistol and muzzleloader.

Jackie DorothyJuly 16, 2024

Wyoming, Utah Call For No Limits On Flaming Gorge Lake Trout

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission on Tuesday voted to eliminate the catch limit on most lake trout at Flaming Gorge Reservoir because they are diminishing the kokanee salmon population.

Mark HeinzJuly 16, 2024

As Grizzlies Fill In Corners Of Montana, Are They Closer To Mingling With Wyoming Bears?

Montana wildlife officials are telling people they should be prepared to run into grizzlies anywhere west of Billings – but it remains unclear whether a long expected mingling of Wyoming and Montana bears is imminent.

Mark HeinzJuly 15, 2024

Balloonist, Passenger Injured In Crash Landing At Casper Event On Saturday

A balloonist and passenger participating in the Casper Balloon Roundup sustained injuries when they crash landed on Saturday in Casper. Once thrown out of the basket, the balloon sailed another quarter of a mile away.

Dale KillingbeckJuly 15, 2024

Game Warden Involved In Wolf Torture Investigation Charged With DUI

Herbert “Bubba” Haley, one of the game wardens who investigated the capture, torture and killing of a wolf in Sublette County was charged with driving under the influence, according to court records.

Mark Heinz & Clair McFarlandJuly 15, 2024

Three friends from Rock Springs who call themselves the desert rats — John Vase, from left, Kurt Hensley and Paul Ng — have been exploring the vast, harsh lands of southwest Wyoming for decades.

Rock Springs ‘Desert Rats’ Know Wyoming’s Adobe Town Better Than Anybody

Three friends from Rock Springs who call themselves the desert rats know Wyoming’s Adobe Town better than anybody. They’ve been exploring the huge, rugged expanses of southwest Wyoming for decades and say they’ve seen only a fraction of what’s out there.

Mark HeinzJuly 14, 2024

Kelsey Mitchell, a biologist with the Teton County Weed & Pest District, collects ticks for research. Scientists are looking for volunteers to do the same.

A New Hobby? Wyoming Scientists Looking For People To Go Out And Collect Ticks

For those who can stomach the task, Wyoming scientists need volunteers to go out and pick up ticks. “We need tick wranglers, please,” entomologist Mikenna Smith told Cowboy State Daily.

Mark HeinzJuly 14, 2024

A wolf comes across a pair of snowmobilers in this photo posted by the Voyageurs Wolf Project in 2022. These snowmobilers didn't harm the wolf, but a recent incident with a wolf run down by a snowmobile in Wyoming has Congress considering a new law.

Congress To Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Outlaw Killing Wildlife By Snowmobile

The high-profile case of a Wyoming wolf run down with a snowmobile, then tortured and killed, is now on the radar of Congress. A bipartisan bill called the Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act would ban the practice nationwide.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2024

The Killpecker Sand Dunes in southwest Wyoming are a unique landscape that draws visitors and hunters.

Wyoming's Killpecker Sand Dunes: "Don't Drink The Water, It'll Kill Your Pecker"

The name for Wyoming’s famous Killpecker Sand Dunes is said to have originated with a soldier’s warning that the water there could have an undesirable effect upon a certain part of the male anatomy. Despite that side effect, it's a great place to visit.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2024

The sun peeks over the horizon over Adobe Town in Wyoming's Red Desert.

Traveling Wyoming: Adobe Town Is Like Another Planet In The Middle Of Nowhere

A visit to Adobe Town in southwest Wyoming’s Red Desert is like being on another planet. To get there, take the Point of Rocks exit off Interstate 80 west of Rock Springs, hit the gravel roads and keep going. And going and going.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2024

Wyoming Capitol 202420240219 capitol 9665

In Brief: Wildlife Groups Mad After Snubbed By Committee

Wildlife advocates said they were snubbed and not allowed to comment during a legislative meeting earlier this week. A co-chair of a Wyoming Legislature joint committee says it was just a technical glitch.

Mark HeinzJuly 13, 2024

Vehicle getting dragged out of inactive Semi-Centennial Geyser on Friday, July 12, 2024

Tourist Drives Car Into Acidic, Inactive Yellowstone Geyser; Five People Injured

A tourist with four passengers drove a car on Thursday into an acidic and inactive Yellowstone geyser. All five were transported to a nearby hospital. The car was completely submerged and Grand Loop Road was closed as crews worked to recover it.

Andrew RossiJuly 12, 2024

A pair of wolves just outside of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

Animal Activists Sue To Put Wolves Back On Endangered List In Wyoming

Environmental and animal welfare groups are suing to having wolves relisted as an endangered species in Wyoming. A retired federal wildlife manager in Cody says that probably won’t happen.

Mark HeinzJuly 12, 2024

Tyce Erickson used a 10 mm pistol to stop this 1,000-pound Kodiak bear that charged his hunting guide in Alaska. The 10 mm round is popular for bear defense. Lee Francis of Evanston used a similar pistol to fight off a grizzly in the Wyoming backcountry in 2022.

Hunter Uses Handgun To Finish Off Angry, Charging 1,000-Pound Kodiak Bear

When Tyce Erickson was charged by an enraged 1,000-pound Kodiak bear, he dropped it with three shots from his Smith & Wesson handgun. He swears by the gun and told Cowboy State Daily he’ll pack it in Wyoming for his upcoming elk hunt.

Mark HeinzJuly 08, 2024

George Zeimans talks about the layers of time archaeologists are exploring at the Sunrise Paleoindian site, where Wyoming's oldest artifacts have been found.

Archaeological Dig Uncovering 14,000-Year-Old Secrets At Wyoming’s Sunrise Site

Archaeologists are nearing the bottom of their current dig site at Sunrise, Wyoming, a former company mining town turned spectacular Paleoindian archaeological site. Some of the oldest Paleoindian artifacts on the continent -- dating back 14,000 years -- have been found here.

Renée JeanJuly 07, 2024

A small colony of Townsend's big-eared bats, one of the 18 species found in Wyoming.

Wyoming’s Mysterious High Country Bats Focus Of 3-Year Census

A three-year bat census is in the homestretch to study Wyoming’s high country flying mammals. Bats are important to Wyoming -- just one brown bat can eat 1,200 insects in an hour. They also pollinate more than 300 species of fruit and even more flowers.

Amber SteinmetzJuly 07, 2024

A bear trap and warning sign are posted in an area near private cabins in the Snowy Range in southern Wyoming.

Wyoming Game Wardens Target Bear Breaking Into Cabins In Snowies

A cabin owner in the Snowy Range is hopeful that a bear that has been breaking into cabins will leave the area because if game wardens catch it, they'll likely have to kill it. "That's the policy because it's a danger to humans," he said.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2024

New Wyoming Game And Fish Director Announced On Friday, First Woman In Position

Gov. Mark Gordon announced Friday that Angi Bruce will be the new director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, She’s the first woman to head the agency and inherits a department that is financially stable but has plenty of challenges.

Mark HeinzJuly 05, 2024

Horse Creek fire was discovered July 1 and is believed to be lightning caused.

Wildfire Season In Western Wyoming Has Begun With Fire Southwest Of Bondurant

The wildfire season in western Wyoming began with the turning of the calendar to July. The Horse Creek Fire is burning in the Big Piney District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest about 20 miles southwest of Bondurant.

Jake NicholsJuly 04, 2024

Comedian Highlights The Differences Between Colorado And Wyoming On Fireworks

In Colorado, fireworks are limited to sparklers and that's about it. Cross the state line into Wyoming and almost anything goes. Comedian Taylor Calmus makes that distinction in a viral video he made showing the differences between the two states.

Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2024

This young black bear was recently spotted on the west side of Sundance. Bears used to be sparse in northeast Wyoming. They’ve been moving in from other parts of the Cowboy State, as well as from Montana.

Black Bears Moving Further East, Now Pushing To Black Hills & Northeast Wyoming

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department say there's been an uptick of black bear activity in northeast Wyoming. One bear that had been tagged in the Laramie Mountain Range had traveled more than 175 miles before it was shot near Newcastle.

Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2024

Pelicans at Blackfoot Reservoir in Idaho.

Like In Wyoming, Pelicans Gobble Down Prized Yellowstone Trout In Idaho

Much like what they've been doing at some premier trout fishing lakes west of Laramie, pelicans are eating up the Yellowstone cutthroat trout population at the Blackfoot Reservoir in Idaho. They have permission to haze and kill the pelicans too.

Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2024

There’s been a boom of grizzly cubs in Yellowstone National Park this year, including this set of triplets.

Grizzly Baby Boom In Yellowstone: Unprecedented 18 Cubs In Park’s North Section

An area in northern Yellowstone National Park appears to be having a grizzly bear baby boom. Grizzly photographers, who have been in the area for decades, have counted an unprecedented 18 new cubs in a location where there’s usually fewer than a half-dozen.

Mark HeinzJuly 02, 2024

Retired biologist Gary Gaston was at just the right place at just the right time to capture this video of a rare white bison calf taking some of its first steps in Yellowstone National Park on June 4. There have been on confirmed sightings of the calf since.

Only Known Video Shows Rare White Bison’s First Moments; Hasn’t Been Seen Since

A retired biologist took the only known video of a rare white bison calf born in Yellowstone on June 4 and he shared it with Cowboy State Daily on Sunday. Nobody has seen the white bison since.

Mark HeinzJuly 01, 2024

Mustangs in the North Lander Complex of Wyoming.

Wild Horse Advocates Mad At Feds’ Plan To Cut Wyoming Herd From 3,000 To 300

The North Lander Mustang herd is one of Wyoming’s largest, with more than 3,000 horses. Starting Monday, the federal government will start reducing the herd by 90%, and horse advocates are incensed.

Mark HeinzJune 29, 2024

This pelican was shot at 9-mile Lake west of Laramie. Huge flocks of the fish-gulping birds were ruining the angling there. A special permit is required to shoot pelicans, which are a federally-protected migratory bird species.

Gun Club Gets OK To Shoot Pelicans Eating All The Prized Trout In Wyoming Lake

Hungry pelicans had nearly picked clean 9-Mile Lake in southern Wyoming of its prized trout, so the gun club that owns the lake got permission to shoot some of them to bring the fishing back.

Mark HeinzJune 28, 2024

A doe mule deer keeps watch over her nearby fawn in Laramie’s Greenhill Cemetery on Thursday. The doe hasn’t been aggressive toward people, but cemetery staff are warning people to keep their dogs clear, because the doe hates them being near her fawn, and will go after dogs.

Laramie Cemetery Warns Public About Aggressive Deer That Attacks Dogs

Warning signs at Greenhill Cemetery in Laramie are putting visitors and their canine companions on notice: There’s an aggressive deer hanging around and she is attacking people’s dogs.

Mark HeinzJune 27, 2024

Ansel Adams' iconic image titled "The Tetons and the Snake River" with his Forever Stamp inset.

New Ansel Adams Stamp Series Includes Iconic Image Of Grand Tetons

The U.S. Postal Service is honoring legendary American West photographer Ansel Adams with a series of stamps, including his iconic “The Tetons and the Snake River” photo taken in 1942.

Jake NicholsJune 27, 2024

Campbell, Park Counties Are Finalists For $10M Shooting Complex

Campbell County and Park County beat out seven other communities vying for a multi-million-dollar state shooting complex, it was announced Tuesday. Now one of them must beat the other.

Mark HeinzJune 27, 2024

People from Wyoming and several other states gathered in Washington, D.C., early Wednesday for the “A Cry For The Wild” rally for wolves.

Wyoming-Organized DC Rally Demands Ban On Running Down Wolves With Snowmobiles

While some in Wyoming defend running wolves and other predators down with snowmobiles, aka "wolf whacking," a group of Wyoming wildlife advocates rallied in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday demanding it be banned.

Mark HeinzJune 26, 2024

Soda Lake is just northeast of Pinedale and used to be one of Wyoming’s trout fishing hot spots. But lately, most of the fish died — either because of low water or algae — and almost nobody bothers going there anymore.

Once Legendary For Trout, Locals Say Pinedale’s Soda Lake Not Worth Fishing Now

Soda Lake, just northeast of Pinedale, used to be one of Wyoming’s most prized trout fishing spots. Then nearly all the fish died, and it’s not exactly clear why.

Mark HeinzJune 25, 2024

Members of the Wyoming Legislature's Joint Treatment of Predators Working Group State Sen. Fred Baldwin, right, and Wyoming Stock Growers Association Vice President Jim Magagna discuss the problem caused by the capture and torture of a wild wolf by a Daniel, Wyoming, man.

Running Predators Down With Snowmobiles Could Stay Legal In Wyoming

Despite outrage over a wolf being run down with a snowmobile in the infamous Daniel wolf torture incident, banning that practice in Wyoming doesn’t seem imminent. Some members of a legislative working group on Tuesday argued it should remain legal.

Mark HeinzJune 25, 2024

Black bears are good tree climbers, and have been known to follow people up trees on occassion.

Black Bear Defending Cubs Chases Sheridan County Man Up Tree, Attacks Him

A black bear defending her cubs chased a Sheridan County man up a tree and attacked him Saturday, leaving him with undisclosed injuries. The bear had two young cubs-of-the-year with her and attacked the man in the North Fork of West Pass Creek.

Mark HeinzJune 24, 2024

Grizzly 399’s Huge Cub Could Avoid Trouble That Got 2022 Cub Killed

Of Grizzly 399’s 18 known cubs, 10 have died. Her latest cub, Spirit, has a better chance to survive, one wildlife photographer said, because 399 isn't taking him around settled areas.

Mark HeinzJune 24, 2024

Jen Mignard, founder of the "Yellowstone National Park: Invasion of the Idiots" Facebook page couldn't believe it when she saw this canoe strapped sideways on top of a Subaru.

Outdoors People Stupefied At Canoe Tied Horizontally On Top Of Vehicle

Sporting goods store owners in Cody had a hard time comprehending a photo on Yellowstone: Invasion of the Idiots that showed a canoe tied horizontally on a Subaru. Both said they had never seen anything like it before and expressed dismay at today's gene pool.

Andrew RossiJune 24, 2024

Colorado Has A New Wolf Pup, Nobody Knows Yet If There’s A Whole Litter

Roughly six months after being reintroduced to Colorado, wolves have produced at least one confirmed pup. Although it is highly likely the pup is part of a larger litter, Colorado officials won't confirm any more.

Mark HeinzJune 23, 2024

Bam-Bam was a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ram that lived in the Sinks Canyon area near Lander. After he died of natural causes in 2013, he was immortalized in this full-body taxidermy mount, on display at the Sinks Canyon State Park visitors center.

Bam-Bam The Wyoming Bighorn Loved People, Peanut Butter And Ramming Cars

He’s been gone for more than a decade, but Wyomingites still fondly remember Bam-Bam, the peanut butter-loving, flower-devouring, car-ramming Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep ram that ruled Sinks Canyon in the late 2000s.

Mark HeinzJune 23, 2024

1980s Smoking Horseshoe-Shaped Crater Top Of Mount Saint Helens After A Major Eruption May 18 1980 Washington USA.

Mount St. Helens Acting Up But Won't Trigger Yellowstone Supervolcano

The scientist in charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory said he's getting a lot of calls from the public wondering if the hundreds of earthquakes detected under Mount St. Helens could trigger the Yellowstone supervolcano. Nothing to worry about, he says.

Andrew RossiJune 23, 2024

A bear and a pair of cubs have to navigate photographers and tourists while crossing a bridge in Yellowstone National Park.

Yellowstone Bears Can’t ‘Scratch Hind Ends’ Without Getting On Camera

Social media feeds are flooded with photos of Yellowstone bears, but it doesn’t mean there are more bears. It just means the park is packed with tourists, and the bears “can’t hardly scratch his hind end” without getting on camera.

Mark HeinzJune 23, 2024

Avid angler and part-time Wyoming resident Tommy Martinez found these orange shotgun targets, commonly called clay pigeons, littering the Buffalo Fork River near a campground on Thursday.

Sportsman Outraged Over Littering Grand Teton River With Shotgun Targets

An angler on the Buffalo Fork River near Grand Teton National Park on Thursday was outraged to find someone had used the area for shotgun target practice, and left dozens of bright orange clay pigeons in the river. Plus, he said they were a terrible shot.

Mark HeinzJune 21, 2024

Diesel the donkey ran away from his home five years ago and turned up again this spring when a hunter captured this video of him living with a herd of elk in California. Despite numerous online rumors, Diesel isn't from Wyoming and was never in the Cowboy State.

Donkey Named Diesel Living With California Elk Herd Was Never In Wyoming

It’s true that a donkey that’s gone viral named Diesel ran away from home to live with a wild elk herd in California. What’s not true despite numerous social media reports is that Diesel’s from Wyoming.

Mark HeinzJune 21, 2024

This image from video shows a large grizzly bear chasing a bull moose through a campground just north of the Wyoming-Montana border.

Moose Lucky Grizzly Chasing Him Near Wyoming State Line Wasn't Really Trying

A former Yellowstone bear biologist who caught video of a grizzly chasing a moose near the Wyoming state line said the moose was lucky the bear opted for a vegetarian option. Grizzlies usually, but not always, have an advantage over moose in a one-on-one fight.

Mark HeinzJune 20, 2024

This photo captured by Jeff Hahn with a long lens Wendesday at Yellowstone's Lower Falls shows a tourist crawling back to safety after climbing out onto a dangerous outcropping overlooking the falls.

Tourist Risks Life By Climbing Rocks Next To Yellowstone Lower Falls

A tourist at Yellowstone’s Lower Falls risked his life on Wednesday by climbing out to a dangerous section of rocks above the raging 308-foot waterfall. A professional rock climber and author told Cowboy State Daily the action was so idiotic he was "laughing at the stupidity."

Andrew RossiJune 19, 2024

Northeast Wyoming resident Owen Miller is an avid hunter and hunting guide. He bagged this huge bull on an over-the-counter elk tag in Colorado in 2020. However, Colorado is discontinuing some elk tags for non-residents.

Colorado Eliminates Over-The-Counter Archery Elk Tags For Non-Residents

Trying to lessen the numbers of hunters that flood Colorado every fall, the state has discontinued over-the-counter archery elk tags for non-residents. Colorado was known as the best last option for elk hunters who failed to draw elk tags anywhere else.

Mark HeinzJune 19, 2024

NPS landscape architect Dan Rhodes stands in front of the huckleberry tuff along the western edge of Golden Gate. Around 70,000 cubic yards, roughly 96,000 tons, of this very hard rock will be blasted from three regions of the wall as part of the Golden Gate improvement project.

Yellowstone To Blast 100,000 Tons Of Rock To Widen Golden Gate Canyon

Yellowstone National Park officials announced Tuesday that they plan on blowing up 100,000 tons of rock to significantly transform Golden Gate Canyon. They say the effort will make the area more scenic, safe, and accessible.

Andrew RossiJune 18, 2024

This pickup getting stuck in a remote part of Carbon County during this past fall’s elk hunting season set off a chain of events that led to a Rawlins man getting nailed for poaching.

Wyoming Elk Poacher Nailed After Truck Gets Stuck And He Brags On Social Media

A Rawlins man might have thought he would get away with poaching a bull elk, until his truck got stuck. Then he posted photos of the elk and bragged about it on social media.

Mark HeinzJune 18, 2024

Don Gittleson prepares to tend to a cow that was attacked by a wolf this past winter on this ranch in North Park, Colorado, near the Wyoming state line.

Family Says Its Ranch Near Wyoming State Line A ‘Grocery Store’ For Wolves

Many of the 24 cattle killed by wolves in Colorado since December have been on the Gittleson ranch just a few miles from the Wyoming state line. Since reintroduction of wolves in Colorado, the ranch has become a “grocery store” for them.

Mark HeinzJune 18, 2024

Park County Search And Rescue personnel were assisted by civilian kayakers on Sunday, rescuing a West Texas man who was trapped in this eddy and cave on the Shoshone River after the raft his was riding in with two others flipped. He found refuge in this little cave to the right.

Texas Man Rescued After Trying Most Dangerous Rapid In River On "Walmart Raft"

A Texas man was rescued on Sunday after getting stranded on the Shoshone River. An expert kayaker from Cody, who rescued the man, said the Texan tried to "run the biggest rapid on the river during the highest water in a Walmart raft."

Mark HeinzJune 17, 2024

Southeast Wyoming Fishing Off To Slow Start But Will Change Soon

To put it bluntly, the fishing “sucks right now,” in southeast Wyoming, says Josh McPeak, a fishing guide with Four Seasons Anglers in Laramie. But the turnaround, he says, could come as early as this week.

Mark HeinzJune 16, 2024

A group of coyote-wolf hybrids, commonly called coywolves, at the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake Minnesota.

There Are Plenty Of Coyotes And Wolves In Wyoming, So Why No Coywolves?

in the eastern United States, coyotes people encounter are likely to be coywolves, or coyote-wolf crossbreeds. But in Wyoming, wolves and coyotes tend to avoid each other and coywolves have not been documented.

Mark HeinzJune 16, 2024

The spring snowmelt every year in the Absaroka Range above Cody, Wyoming, reveals a truly Wyoming-appropriate phenomenon — the Ishawooa Snow Horse. The topography and rate of snowmelt reveals an amazingly clear sillhouette of a horse's head.

Forget The Calendar, Cody’s Ishawooa Snow Horse Is The True Sign Of Wyoming Summer

Every year, the snowpack in the southern stretch of the Absaroka Range melts to reveal the Ishawooa Horse's Head. Ranchers on the South Fork have looked at it as a sign of summer and they've done it for more than a century.

Andrew RossiJune 15, 2024

It’s Mating Season, Which Means Bears Are Beating The Crap Out Of Each Other

When love is in the air among bears, it’s not exactly lovely. This is the time of year when male bears beat the crap out of each other, because it's mating season. That means bears in Wyoming and all over are fighting for access to females.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2024

Bighorn sheep in Wyoming's Devils Canyon.

After State Kills 3 Wyoming Bighorn, Wildlife Researcher Questions Policy

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department killed three bighorn sheep that wandered into Sinks Canyon State Park out of concern for disease, but a local wildlife researcher questions the need for the killings.

Mark HeinzJune 15, 2024

The Colorado River near White Canyon, Utah, is viewed from 37,000 feet on Sep. 1, 2023. The Colorado, flowing from Wyoming and the Rocky Mountains through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada and California, is heavily dependent on a winter snowfall.

Calif., Other States Still Grabbing For Wyoming’s Share Of Colorado River Water

Fighting between California and other states over Wyoming's share of water from the Colorado River, which is partly fed from Cowboy State sources, isn’t likely to be resolved anytime soon, a pair of experts say.

Mark HeinzJune 14, 2024

This image from a trail camera shows a curious black bear right before it chomps on and knocks it around.

Video Captures Black Bear Chomping On Trail Camera On Wyoming - Montana Border

Steve and Nancy Cerroni set up trail cameras around the Pryor Mountain wild horse range near the Wyoming-Montana border to monitor mustangs. But a black bear stole the show Tuesday when it chomped on a local trail camera.

Mark HeinzJune 13, 2024

Steamboat Geyser in Yellowstone National Park.

Washington Man Gets Week In Jail For Leaving Boardwalk At Steamboat Geyser

A 21-year-old Washington state man has been slapped with seven days in jail after leaving the boardwalk at Steamboat Geyser for a better photo, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday. Steamboat is the world's largest active geyser.

Andrew RossiJune 13, 2024

This white bison calf was born on June 4, 2024 in Yellowstone National Park.

Observers Say Yellowstone’s White Bison Is the Real Deal, Plan Ceremony With Native Elders

Although Yellowstone officials have yet to confirm the birth of an extremely rare white bison calf in the park last week, observers say they've seen it recently and Native American elders are planning to celebrate its birth.

Mark HeinzJune 10, 2024

Commercial raft flipped after striking a snag in section of Snake River in Grand Teton National Park called “The Black Hole."

Park Rangers Rescue 8 When Raft Flips, Strands 8 Overnight On Snake River

Grand Teton park rangers rescued eight people stranded overnight Saturday from a section of the Snake River called “The Black Hole." A whitewater guide told Cowboy State Daily the area is known as a truly gnarly and dangerous stretch of river.

Mark HeinzJune 10, 2024

As the proliferation of fentanyl use surges, Wyoming Game and Fish personnel will soon also be carrying Narcan in the field in case they come into contact with the dangerous drug.

With So Much Fentanyl in Wyoming, Even Game Wardens Packing Narcan

Fentanyl has become such a problem in Wyoming’s war on illegal drugs that Wyoming Game and Fish Department game wardens will start carrying Narcan to treat overdoses.

Mark HeinzJune 09, 2024

Boysen Reservoir in Boysen State Park in Fremont County, Wyoming.

After Wastewater Discharge, E. Coli Found At Some Boysen Reservoir Sites

The Wyoming Dept of Environmental Quality on Friday said there’s an “elevated risk of illness” from E. coli contamination in Boysen State Park after wastewater was discharged from the town of Hudson into the Popo Agie River last month.

Mark HeinzJune 07, 2024

The ultra-long-distance migrating mule deer known as Deer 255 has died. Researchers tracked her across 3,300 miles since 2016. Here, she is shown with her twin fawns in a fall 2020 migration stopover in the Prospect Mountains of Sublette County.

Deer 255, Wyoming’s Famous Record Long-Distance Doe, Dies In Red Desert

After trekking untold thousands of miles back and forth across Wyoming on record-setting migrations and gaining worldwide fame, Deer 255 has died. The deer met her end in the Red Desert, likely taken down by a mountain lion.

Mark HeinzJune 07, 2024

How Eating Porcupine Brains Can Save Your Life When Lost And Starving In Wyoming

“Rabbit starvation,” or protein poisoning, is a real risk for people trying to survive in the Wyoming wilderness by eating only the red meat of what they catch. One expert says eating the brains of porcupines could save your life.

Mark HeinzJune 07, 2024

These still images from a video of a Yellowstone grizzly with five cubs in tow. Wildlife officials say a five-cub litter is almost unheard of and the sow may have adopted some of those cubs.

Yellowstone Says Grizzly With Five Cubs The Most Ever Recorded In Park

A spokesperson for Yellowstone National Park on Thursday said since records have been kept in Yellowstone, this is the first time they've witnessed a grizzly with five cubs.

Mark HeinzJune 06, 2024

A young black bear on the deck of a home in this file photo.

Idaho Wardens Kill Bear In Crowded Park; Is Region In For Another Busy Bear Year?

There was trouble with black bears all over the Rocky Mountain West last summer and this year is getting off to an early start. Idaho game agents on Sunday killed a bear in a crowded city park. It could be an indication that this summer could be another doozy.

Mark HeinzJune 06, 2024

A still image from a video of a female grizzly with a huge litter of five cubs was captured Wednesday morning in the north Yellowstone National Park. Grizzly litters of more than three cubs are rare.

Holy Cow! Yellowstone Grizzly Has Five Cubs, Topping Grizzly 399’s 2020 Quadruplets

Among grizzlies, twin cubs are somewhat common, triplets are rare and quadruplets rarer still. That’s why a Yellowstone tour guide on Wednesday was so surprised to see a grizzly with quintuplets — five cubs.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2024

This white bison calf was born Tuesday afternoon in Yellowstone National Park.

Rare Wild White Bison Born In Yellowstone, Photographer Gets Photos

A rare white bison calf was born late Tuesday in Yellowstone National Park. A wildlife photographer originally thought it was a coyote until she looked back and saw the calf. "It was amazing," she said.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2024

A large bull elk with his harem of does relaxes on the front lawn of a home in Estes Park, Colorado.

Two Children Stomped, Injured By Elk In Estes Park, Colorado

In separate incidents less than a week apart, two children were injured by irate cow elk protecting their young in Estes Park, Colorado. The town is overtaken every spring and fall by a massive elk herd with Wyoming roots.

Mark HeinzJune 05, 2024

Grizzlies are the apex predator of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Would Hunting Grizzlies Make Bears Fear Humans More?

While everybody agrees that Wyoming’s grizzly bears are intelligent animals, there’s a growing debate in wildlife circles about whether that means hunting them would make the bears fear humans more.

Mark HeinzJune 04, 2024

Bison in Yellowstone National Park aren't usually aggressive, but can be dangerous if their space is violated.

Yellowstone Bison Was ‘Defending Its Space’ When It Gored Elderly Woman

An 83-year-old South Carolina woman visiting Yellowstone National Park was gored by a bison Saturday that was “defending its space,” the National Park Service reported Monday. She was airlifted to a hospital in Idaho.

Greg JohnsonJune 04, 2024

The bridge over the Little Popo Agie River in Hudson, Wyoming.

Boysen Reservoir To Be Tested For E. Coli After Dump Of 210,000 Gallons Of Wastewater

A discharge of 210,000 gallons of wastewater Thursday or Friday from the Hudson, Wyoming, treatment lagoons into the Little Popo Agie River, prompted the state to plan E. coli testing at Boysen Reservoir.

Mark HeinzJune 04, 2024

Someone poses next to the bronze sculpture of Grizzly 399. The sculpture was created at Eagle Bronze in Lander.

Grizzly 399, The Most Famous Bear In The World, Gets Her Own 8-Foot Bronze Statue

An 8-foot-tall statue of Grizzly 399 with the four cubs she raised in 2020 was dedicated Saturday at its new home at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. The bronze on the statue reads, “Queen of the Rockies.”

Andrew RossiJune 02, 2024

This grizzly bear was in Jim Zumbo’s yard in the North Fork west of Cody in October of 2022. Grizzly sightings used to be rare in the area but are now common.

Having Grizzlies For Neighbors Just A Fact Of Life Near Cody, Wyoming

As Wyoming’s grizzly population continues to grow, they’ve become common outside of Cody. Famed outdoors writer Jim Zumbo says it's no big deal and going to an ATM in Denver is riskier than having a grizzly for a neighbor.

Mark HeinzJune 01, 2024

First Grizzly Relocation Of The Year In Wyoming After Bear Ate Cows

The Game and Fish Department said they didn't kill the grizzly who ate some cows earlier this month because the bear had no previous run-ins with the department. The department opted to relocate the bear away from cows instead.

Andrew RossiMay 30, 2024

Grizzly 399 May Be Old But She Still Knows How To Kill Elk

Although people have romanticized Grizzly 399 as a giant, cuddly teddy bear, she's a grizzly. Earlier this week, spectators saw what apex predators do as she ripped apart two elk calves so she and her cub Spirit could have some lunch.

Andrew RossiMay 30, 2024

Blame Game Heats Up Over Whether Wyoming Wolves Are Killing Colorado Cattle

Since wolves were reintroduced in Colorado last year, the blame game over whether that state's 10 new predators are killing ranchers' cattle or if Wyoming wolves are ranging south has gained steam.

Andrew RossiMay 29, 2024

Now Beartooth Highway Hit By Avalanche, Remains Closed

Officials want to open Beartooth Highway, one of the main routes to get to Yellowstone, but still can't. Opening day was delayed due to weather and now it's because an avalanche has pummeled the road.

Andrew RossiMay 28, 2024

Seems some guy named Nick loves the unique features at Yellowstone National Park — so much so that Nick scratched his name and a message into a delicate thermal area just off the Biscuit Basin boardwalk.

People Outraged After Guy Named Nick Defaces Yellowstone Thermal Feature

Some guy named Nick seems to love the thermal features at Yellowstone National Park that he scratched his name and a message into one of them over the Memorial Day Weekend, to the outrage of many fans of the park.

Andrew RossiMay 28, 2024

Gillette teens Jackson Harris and Kegan Bare, right, rescued this nest full of baby birds at the Fishing Lake last weekend.

Acts Of Kindness: Gillette Teens Rescue Baby Birds, Wildlife Rehabber Does The Rest

The easy part for two Gillette teens was rescuing the baby birds who were motherless and appeared doomed. But then what? Thankfully, one of two certified mammal wildlife rehabbers in Wyoming lived in Gillette and she took care of the rest.

Jen KocherMay 27, 2024

Organizer Jonas Black and other riders in Hogs for Hope roll into Daniel, Wyoming, on May 26, 2024. The rally had planned to stop at the Green River Bar, but it had been blocked by locals with trucks and horse trailers, left.

Standoff Over Wolf Torture: Locals Block Motorcycle Rally From Daniel Bar

Friends and family of Daniel resident Cody Roberts, who gained international exposure for torturing a wolf, lined up trailers and vehicles on Sunday so motorcycle rally participants couldn't hold a presentation in front of the bar.

Mark HeinzMay 26, 2024

Jonas Black, organizer of the Hogs for Hope motorcycle rally, talks with rally supporters at the Flaming Gorge Harley-Davidson in Green River, Wyoming, on May 25, 2024.

Motorcycle Rally For Tortured Wolf Rolls Into Green River, Wyoming

A national motorcycle rally held to bring awareness to the wolf torture and killing in Sublette County arrived at the Harley Davidson dealership in Green River on Saturday. The rally concludes on Sunday in Daniel.

Mark HeinzMay 26, 2024

As Wyoming Camping Season Kicks Off, Popular Snowy Range Road Remains Closed

Jurisdiction over Boswell Road, a popular public lands access in the Snowy Range Mountains, remains murky and the road is still officially closed to the public as camping season kicks off in Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMay 25, 2024

This black bear was treed for hours in a Golden, Colorado, neighborhood. In a final effort to flush the bear out, wildlife officials blased Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" at it. Seems, as the agency posted, "black bears don't mind Black Sabbath."

Blasting Black Sabbath’s ‘Iron Man’ Doesn’t Scare Colorado Bear Out Of Tree

“Black bears don’t mind Black Sabbath” a Colorado wildlife agent quipped after a failed attempt to haze a bear by blasting it with the legendary heavy metal band’s classic anthem “Iron Man.”

Mark HeinzMay 24, 2024

Shayne Patrick Burke, a 35-year-old military veteran from Massachusetts, says he's lucky to survive an attack by an angry momma grizzly in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. In an Instagram post detailing the attack, he says it was the most violent experience of his life and he has no ill feelings toward the bear.

Grizzly Attack Survivor Says Ordeal Was Most Violent Experience Of His Life

The disabled veteran who was mauled by a grizzly on Sunday in Grand Teton National Park said he never let go of his bear spray during the attack. He said when the bear went in for the "kill shot" to his neck, she bit into the can.

Andrew RossiMay 24, 2024

Wyoming’s moose are nothing to trifle with, especially female moose with calves to protect.

Alaska Man Killed By Moose After He Tried To Get Photos Of Calves

An Alaska man was killed by a momma moose Sunday when he got too close trying to photograph her newborn calves. One of Wyoming’s premier moose photographers says he knows firsthand that the huge animals are nothing to mess with.

Mark HeinzMay 23, 2024

Grand Teton Mauling Ends When Grizzly Chomps On Can Of Bear Spray

The man attacked and mauled by a grizzly in Grand Teton National Park on Sunday was amazingly lucky. During the attack, the grizzly chomped down on his can of bear spray, which exploded it into her face and immediately ended the ordeal.

Mark HeinzMay 22, 2024

The Flaming Gorge Harely-Davidson dealership in Green River is set be the final stop for the “Hogs for Hope” motorcycle rally on Saturday, before the group heads to Daniel the next morning. They rally is in honor of a wolf that was tortured and killed in Daniel.

National Motorcycle Rally For Tortured Wolf Raises $100K As It Closes In On Wyoming

The Harley-Davidson dealership in Green River will welcome a national motorcycle rally called 'Hogs For Hope' on Saturday in honor of the wolf that was tortured in February. The rally will end Sunday in Daniel. It’s raised $100,000 so far.

Mark HeinzMay 22, 2024

Grizzly Mauling Wasn't A Tag Team Onslaught, It Was Likely Momma Defending Cub

Although talk of a terrifying grizzly tag team duo circulated the Internet, park officials say Sunday's mauling of a Massachusetts man was likely a mother grizzly defending her cub. The man is still hospitalized in stable condition.

Mark HeinzMay 21, 2024

This adult make wolf was struck and killed by a vehicle on Friday in Grand Teton National Park.

Wolf From Well-Known Grand Teton Pack Struck, Killed By Vehicle

A mature male wolf from one of Grand Teton National Park’s well-known packs was struck and killed by a vehicle Friday, the Park Service confirmed Monday.

Mark HeinzMay 21, 2024

Piles of crisscrossed fallen trees, called jackstraw, are a common sight on the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie after recent windstorms.

Windstorms Leave Wyoming Backcountry Trails A Mess Of Fallen Trees

On some of southeast Wyoming’s popular hiking and biking trails, a chainsaw — or at least an axe — might be standard equipment. Trees blown over by recent severe windstorms have turned trails into an absolute mess.

Mark HeinzMay 21, 2024

Out-Of-State Man Survives Attack By 2 Wyoming Grizzlies

An attack prompted by a “surprise encounter” with two grizzly bears Sunday in the Signal Mountain area of Grand Teton National Park left a 35-year-old man hospitalized in stable condition.

Mark HeinzMay 20, 2024

Bruno, one of the Yellowstone Econsystem's famous male grizzly bears, can get cranky if people get too close.

Many Washington State Locals Not Thrilled With Grizzly Reintroduction

Many locals in Washington State's North Cascades region aren't thrilled with the idea of grizzlies being reintroduced in the area. The grizzlies, some likely from Wyoming, could be helicoptered in as soon as this year.

Mark HeinzMay 19, 2024

A can of bear spray exploded in a vehicle in an employee lot at Yellowstone National Park, blowing through the windshield and launching about 200 feet.

Yellowstone Worker Learns Hard Way What Happens When Bear Spray Explodes In Car

A worker at Yellowstone National Park learned the hard way this past week what happens when a can of bear spray explodes in your car, blowing through the windshield and launching itself more than 200 feet.

Andrew RossiMay 19, 2024

At age 11, Yellowstone’s Wolf 907F has lived more than twice a wild wolf’s average life expectancy. In this photo from April, she was pregnant with a litter of pups that she’s since given birth to.

Yellowstone's 11-Year-Old 1-Eyed Wolf Just Had Another Litter Of Pups

Wolf 907F in Yellowstone has lived an unprecedented 11 years, which is more than three times the average lifespan of a wolf. Along the way, she's given birth to multiple litters and lost her left eye. And she just became a mom again.

Mark HeinzMay 18, 2024

This image from a video taken from a distance by Fred McClanahan Jr. shows a grizzly running along the shore of Buffalo Bill Reservoir near Cody, Wyoming, during a smattering of spring snow.

Yellowstone Grizzlies Observed Farther East In Wyoming — And Earlier

Grizzly bears are getting more common in the lower elevations as they push east out of Yellowstone National Park toward Cody. A visitor caught video of a grizzly lumbering along the shore of Buffalo Bill Reservoir last week during a snow squall.

Mark HeinzMay 17, 2024

This screenshot from video shows a photographer deliberately being too close to a Yellowstone grizzly and her cubs. The tour guide who shot the video says he told the photographer multiple times to back off to a safe distance, but was ignored.

Photographers Way Too Close To Grizzly And Cub In Yellowstone

Andrea Baratte, a wildlife biologist working in Yellowstone, says photographers who refused to move to a safe distance when a grizzly and her cubs walked across the highway, took a terrible risk and their dismissive attitude made it worse.

Andrew RossiMay 17, 2024

The Carpenter Family has been ranching in Albany for six generations, but might not be able to access their summer range off Boswell Road this year, because the road has been closed.

Angry Snowy Range Ranchers Cut Off From Longtime Summer Grazing Pastures

Property owners along a now-closed Boswell Road in southern Albany County, Wyoming, are angry they’ve been cut off from their land and can’t build their homes or drive cattle to their longtime summer grazing pastures.

Mark HeinzMay 16, 2024

A mother grizzly and her two cubs took a stroll through the Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful on Tuesday near crowds of Yellowstone tourist who — shockingly — remained well-behaved around the bears.

No One Mauled When Grizzlies Come Close To Tourists At Old Faithful

A momma grizzly and two large cubs strolled through the Upper Geyser Basin near Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday. This group of tourists was well-behaved. As no one tried to pet or saddle the bears, no one was mauled.

Mark HeinzMay 16, 2024

Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming, poses and teases a young wolf he's accused of running down with a snowmobile and abusing before killing it.

Wyoming Legislative Group Will Consider Response To Wolf Torture

Legislators agreed Wednesday to study possible reform of the state’s wildlife policy in light of the wolf torture earlier this year. But one lawmaker urged restraint so not to "accommodate out-of-state people who don’t have much common sense."

Mark HeinzMay 16, 2024

Outraged Citizens Demand Response To "Psychotic Behavior" Behind Wolf Torture

After testimony Tuesday with Wyoming legislators and wildlife officials, it seems likely a bill will be introduced next session in response to the torture of a wolf in Daniel. We need laws “against this psychotic behavior," one citizen said.

Mark HeinzMay 14, 2024

Former Wyoming governor Matt Mead recently opted to close a section of the Boswell Road that runs through his property, just off Highway 10 in southern Albany County.

Popular Road In Snowy Range Closes And Nobody’s Sure Who Actually Controls It

Boswell Road is a popular route for outdoors enthusiasts in southeast Wyoming’s Snowy Range but sections of it are now closed. Nobody seems to know who has jurisdiction over the route -- including landowner and former Gov. Matt Mead.

Mark HeinzMay 14, 2024

A young male grizzly powers against the current in the Hoback River near Pinedale, to get back to shore after feasting on a big game carcass in the middle of the river.

Fearless Wyoming Grizzly Powers Through Rapids After Gorging On Carcass In River

Wildlife photographers witnessed the sheer power and strength of young grizzly on Friday. After feasting on a carcass in the middle of the Hoback River, he fearlessly plunged into the churning rapids and powered his way to the shore.

Mark HeinzMay 14, 2024

The office of wildlife biologist Rich Guenzel in Laramie has depictions of pronghorn created by artists from all over Wyoming and the West.

Wyoming’s Famous For Its Iconic Pronghorn — But Don’t Call Them Antelope

Step into wildlife biologist Rich Guenzel’s office and there will be no doubt about his passion for pronghorn -- an iconic Wyoming animal affectionately known as “speed goats." Just don't call them antelope, unless you're looking for a brawl...

Mark HeinzMay 12, 2024

A pair of fly fishermen try their luck at Meeboer Lake near Laramie, Wyoming. This past winter, all the trout in the lake died.

Fishing Wyoming: All The Trout In Albany County's Meeboer Lake Are Dead — Again

For the second year in a row, all the trout in Meeboer Lake west of Laramie died over the winter. Last year, a failed aeration system was to blame, but this year it was from natural causes. The suckers, however, survived just fine.

Mark HeinzMay 11, 2024

The carcass of a large silver-tipped grizzly bear, which succumbed to poisonous gases in the area known as Death Gulch in Yellowstone National Park in 1897.

Death Gulch: How One Spot In Yellowstone's Northeast Corner Got Its Morbid Name

Although Yellowstone is beautiful, it's had its fair share of maulings, scaldings, murders, and even cannibalism. But one spot in northeast Yellowstone has rightfully earned the morbid name Death Gulch.

Andrew RossiMay 11, 2024

A pack of wolves in Yellowstone National Park.

Hunter Wants ‘Wyoming Solution’ To Any Reform That Comes From Wolf Torture

In response to the torture and killing of a wolf in Daniel, a hunter from Dubois says Wyomingites need to reform hunting and animal cruelty statutes themselves instead of waiting for outside groups and the federal government to force change.

Mark HeinzMay 10, 2024

World renowned dog trainer Jonas Black of Austin, Texas

Famous Dog Trainer Plans Texas-Wyoming Motorcycle Rally For Tortured Daniel Wolf

Jonas Black, a dog trainer with millions of followers on social media, is organizing a 1,300-mile motorcycle rally from Texas to Wyoming in honor of a wolf that was tortured and killed in Daniel. He will donate all funds from the rally to wildlife groups.

Mark HeinzMay 09, 2024

A group of tourists stop to watch some Wyoming pronghorn.

Wyoming Couple Donates $350,000 To Target Pronghorn Recovery After Massive Die-Off

Wyoming has an estimated 382,000 pronghorn, more than any other state. But they suffered mightily due to the winter of 2022-2023 and herds have not recovered. A Wyoming couple has donated $350,000 specifically to help pronghorn recovery.

Mark HeinzMay 09, 2024

Are 350 Wolves Enough For Wyoming? Depends On Who You Ask

With roughly 350 wolves calling Wyoming home, the state’s wolf population is at “healthy levels,” according to Wyoming Game and Fish and a livestock industry spokesman said the current wolf management plan is working.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2024

An orphaned Wyoming black bear cub named Alice was severely malnourished when she arrived at the Idaho Black Bear Rehab facility last December. Now she’s healthy, frisky and almost ready to return to Wyoming.

Alice, Wyoming Bear Cub Rescued From Starvation, Ready To Come Home

An orphaned black bear cub in Teton County seemed almost certain to starve to death last winter, but after several months at an Idaho bear rescue facility, she’s almost ready to come home to Wyoming.

Mark HeinzMay 07, 2024

Despite Setback, Cheyenne Arboretum Still Works For Historic Designation

Cheyenne's High Plains Arboretum, the vast 877-acre site northwest of Cheyenne, didn’t get its state historic designation during this year’s Wyoming legislative session, but the project is still moving forward with a master plan.

Renée JeanMay 06, 2024

Montana Man Shoots, Kills Charging Grizzly While Out Gathering Antlers

A Montana man who shot and killed a 300-pound female grizzly in central Montana while he was shed hunting last week can be a cautionary tale for Wyomingites who are out in force now gathering shed antlers.

Andrew RossiMay 06, 2024

Grizzlies are sometimes transported by air, tranquilized and slung under helicopters, like these bears in Canada were. A similar method could be used to relocate Wyoming Grizzlies to Washington State’s North Cascades region.

Airdropping Grizzlies: When Bears Get Reintroduced To Cascades, They'll Be Helicoptered In

When grizzlies are reintroduced to the Cascades, they will likely be airdropped. That doesn't mean huge, roaring bears will be parachuting from the sky, unfortunately. But the process is still pretty cool.

Mark HeinzMay 05, 2024

Barrasso Joins Boebert In Effort To Delist Wolves In Lower 48

U.S. Sen. John Barrasso has joined efforts by Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, to get wolves delisted from federal protection in all of the Lower 48 states. Political observers say it has almost no chance.

Mark HeinzMay 03, 2024

Stacy Boisseau's Jeep Compass just outside the East Entrance of Yellowstone the night before its May 3 opening, first in line for the sixth straight year.

Cody Family First In Line To Open Yellowstone’s East Entrance Six Years Running

Stacy Boisseau of Cody and her daughters have been the first in line to enter Yellowstone National Park through the East Entrance to open the new park’s new season for six years running. She did it again Friday.

Andrew RossiMay 03, 2024

A screen capture of a video taken late Tuesday of Wyoming’s Grizzly 399 and her gigantic cub, who appear to be doing well.

In First Video Of The Season, Grizzly 399 And Super-Sized Cub Look ‘Gorgeous’

Using a spotting scope from several hundred yards away, wildlife photographer Ryan Kempfer caught the first video of the year of Grizzly 399 and her gigantic cub on Tuesday. Both were looking "gorgeous," he said.

Mark HeinzMay 01, 2024

Grizzly Roaming Near Cody Eludes Wyoming Game And Fish — For Now

Although people have reported a grizzly near the northern edge of Cody since Saturday, the bear has so far eluded Wyoming Game and Fish efforts to locate it. One resident said grizzlies are common to see in the spring and no one is worried.

Andrew RossiMay 01, 2024

The Ring doorbell camera of a Casper home caught an antler theif at about 4 a.m. Wednesday stealing all the shed antlers in the home's landscaping.

'Dirtbag' Thief Caught On Video Stealing Shed Antlers From Wyoming Yard

Two hours before the opening of shed antler hunting season in much of Wyoming early Wednesday, a security cam captured footage of a thief stealing several antlers from a yard in Casper. One seasoned shed hunter says stealing antlers is a “dirtbag” move.

Mark HeinzMay 01, 2024

Accused Wolf Abuser Earned $120,000 From Contracts With Wyoming Agencies

A Daniel man who allegedly tortured and killed a wolf has had numerous trucking contracts with two Wyoming state agencies, earning about $120,000. It’s uncertain whether he will do any more work for either agency.

Mark HeinzMay 01, 2024

There are elk all over Wyoming, including the state's northeast plains.

Hunters Livid Over Apparent ‘Thrill Killing’ Of Wyoming Elk Left To Rot

Three elk that were apparently illegally shot and left to rot in a remote section of Campbell County this month were part of one of Wyoming’s few plains elk herds, making the poaching that much more enraging for legal elk hunters.

Mark HeinzApril 30, 2024

Connie Jeffcoat of South Carolina is a frequent visitor to Yellowstone National Park and was a huge fan of a grizzly called Scarface. She took these photos of him in the spring of 2015. He was shot by a hunter that fall.

Before Grizzly 399, Scarface Was One Of Wyoming's Most Famous Bears

Though his fame was eventually eclipsed by Grizzly 399, a big Yellowstone bear named Scarface, who got his name from battles with other grizzlies, was a legend in his time. The way he died, however, is still a source of controversy.

Mark HeinzApril 30, 2024

The 2024 tourist season has just begun in Yellowstone, and there are already plenty of incidents of people getting too close to wildlife, like in this recent file photo. On Monday, Yellowstone National Park annoucned the arrest of a man who not only allegedly harassed a herd of bison, he kicked one in the leg.

Man Accused Of Drunk-Kicking Bison Sets Off Yellowstone’s Animal Attack Season

Tourist season has begun! The National Park Service on Monday announced the first bison attack of the season. An Idaho man displayed “Darwin Award”-level stupidity when he allegedly kicked a bison last week while drunk.

Mark HeinzApril 29, 2024

Rhea Cicale, a top contributor to the popular Facebook page Yellowstone National Park: Invasion of the Idots posted these photos Sunday of a Blustar tour bus crossing into the wrong lane of travel to push ahead through a bison jam in the park.

Debate Erupts Over Tour Bus Plowing Through Bison Jam In Yellowstone

Photos of a Bluestar tour bus pushing past a bison jam in Yellowstone National Park have sparked a heated debate over whether drivers can plow through the animals or should just wait for wildlife to get out of the way.

Andrew RossiApril 29, 2024

Hunting with spotlights in Wyoming is illegal, as is doing so for nighttime wildlife watching on public land and in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Why Nighttime ‘Spotlighting’ Of Wyoming’s Prized Wildlife Is Mostly Illegal

Hunting wildlife with spotlights at night is illegal in Wyoming, and you can’t even “spotlight” to observe wildlife in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Andrew RossiApril 28, 2024

This deer dollhouse is the work of Los Angeles-based rouge taxidermy artist Brooke Weston.

The Creative, Fun And Slightly Twisted ‘Rogue Taxidermy’ Movement

A dollhouse built into the cavity of a deer is an example of the creative and slightly twisted “rogue taxidermy” movement. It involves turning taxidermy mounts into clocks, pieces of furniture, vehicles and other things.

Mark HeinzApril 27, 2024

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Ellis got some photos during a rare encounter with a grizzly bear near Kemmerer on Thursday afternoon.

Wyoming Deputy Has Rare Encounter With Grizzly Near Kemmerer

A Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy caught a rare glimpse of a grizzly near Kemmerer on Thursday afternoon -- far south from where grizzlies typically range. The sighting fits a wider pattern of the bears ranging far from their core habitat in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

Mark HeinzApril 26, 2024

A pair of Wyoming grizzlies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Feds Approve Grizzlies Back In Washington State, Wyoming Bears Could Be Used

Some of Wyoming’s grizzly bears will likely end up going to Washington state’s North Cascades after the federal government this week approved a reintroduction program there. Washington locals already hate the idea.

Mark HeinzApril 26, 2024

The newest creation of Throwflame is a robot dog with a laser-guided flamethrower mounted to it.

Wyoming Outdoorsmen Praise New Laser-Guided, Flamethrowing Robot Dog

Need more firepower and have about $9,500 to spare? A pair of Wyoming outdoorsmen believe that a laser-guided flamethrower robot dog is the greatest thing you never knew you needed.

Mark HeinzApril 26, 2024

Still image from National Park Service web cam shows a tourist get within arm's reach of a large bison in Yellowstone.

Tourist Season Has Begun: 'New Levels Of Stupidity' Already Seen In Yellowstone

A tourist spotted within cuddling distance of a massive bison is among the first idiotic encounters in Yellowstone as tourist season begins, and one park watchdog says she’s already seeing “new levels of stupidity.”

Andrew RossiApril 25, 2024

Colorado Wolves Expand Range, May Already Be Crossing Into Wyoming

Tracking data for Colorado’s reintroduced wolves shows them possibly wandering right up to the Wyoming state line, but it’s not confirmed whether any have crossed over.

Mark HeinzApril 25, 2024

Despite Online Hype, Nobody In Wyoming Has Caught ‘Zombie Deer Disease’

“Zombie deer disease” is a hyped-up term for chronic wasting disease, which has infected some Wyoming wildlife herds. And despite recent hyped-up reports about humans catching it and turning into zombies, nobody in Wyoming has.

Mark HeinzApril 24, 2024

New Study In Journal Of Zoology Says Sasquatch Sightings Are Likely Just Bears

A new scientific study sadly announced that Bigfoot is probably not real. The Journal Of Zoology reported that when black bear populations increase in an area, so do the number of people reporting they saw a Sasquatch.

Mark HeinzApril 24, 2024

Casper mountaineer Dr. Joe McGinley reported Wednesday his climbing team was blocked from entering Tibet and getting to the north side of Mount Everest. They will head for the south side of the mountain instead. A positive step, he said, was successful completion of his gear check.

McGinley Everest Quest Blocked By China, But Mountaineer Heads To Nepal

Casper mountaineer Dr. Joe McGinley’s quest for Mount Everest has been temporarily blocked as the Chinese is prohibiting foreigners from the Tibet region. But he's got a backup plan through Nepal. Everest is his last peak to hit in his goal to summit the highest peaks on all 7 continents.

Dale KillingbeckApril 24, 2024

Bear Cubs Whoop It Up On Ladder At Ski Resort Gondola Tower

It might have seemed odd and even dangerous watching video of a trio of black bear cubs that climbed a massive gondola tower at Steamboat ski resort in northwest Colorado on Saturday, but the bears were just having fun.

Mark HeinzApril 23, 2024

A herd of elk stand close together on a snowy Wyoming range.

Elk Hunting In Wyoming’s Remote ‘Little Siberia’ Might Help Trim Herds

For Wyoming hunters, the acquisition of a $2.3 million piece of the Mule Creek Ranch will get them access to an area of Albany County teeming with elk. Two hours from anywhere, it's located in a stretch of mind-boggling vastness that locals call “Little Siberia.”

Mark HeinzApril 22, 2024

Longtime Wyoming wildlife photographer Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven talked to someone who saw Grizzly 399 and her cub Sunday, and photographed their tracks Monday morning. The photo of 399 and Spirit here is from last fall.

She’s Awake! Grizzly 399 And Gigantic Cub Emerge From Hibernation

The world’s most famous bear, Wyoming’s grizzly 399, along with her gigantic cub Spirit, have emerged from hibernation and were spotted briefly Sunday night in a confirmed sighting.

Mark HeinzApril 22, 2024

A Montana mare named Sky fends off a wolf trying to attack her foal. As in parts of Wyoming, the number of large predators in southwest Montana is increasing, Sky’s owners said.

Mama Horse Stands Up To Wolf Trying To Kill Her Baby

For ranchers Gabby and Cole Thoreson, their timing couldn’t have been better. They went to check on their horses just in time to see one of their mares engaged in a tense standoff with a wolf that was apparently trying to kill her young foal.

Mark HeinzApril 21, 2024

Longtime rancher Krisztina Gayler has used livestock guardian dogs to protect sheep and cattle on two continents.

Transylvania Is Famous For Vampires, But Also Has Lots Of Grizzlies And Wolves

Krisztina Gayler has a long history of ranching in grizzly and wolf country on two continents. She grew up on a ranch in Hungary and came to the U.S. in 2005. She maintains strong ties with ranchers here in Wyoming, as well as in Hungary, Romania, and Transylvania.

Mark HeinzApril 21, 2024

Animal Forensics Expert Calls For Examination Of Tortured Wolf Carcass

A Wyoming animal forensics expert is calling for an examination of the carcass of a wolf that was allegedly captured and tortured in Daniel, but it’s not clear whether the carcass is still available.

Mark HeinzApril 19, 2024

Bears don’t sweat, so they must use small pools in isolated parts of Yellowstone National Park to cool off during the summer.

To Beat The Heat, Yellowstone Grizzlies Jump Into ‘Bear Bathtubs’

Summer isn’t all fun and relaxation for Yellowstone’s bears, they’re busy packing on fat for the winter, which makes them heat magnets. So, they jump into “bear bathtubs” to cool off.

Mark HeinzApril 19, 2024

Cattle Kill Count For Colorado Wolves Up To Six

Six cows have been killed by wolves in Colorado so far this year, and wolves with Wyoming roots might be involved in some of the attacks.

Mark HeinzApril 18, 2024

$28M Crossing Project Planned On Deadly Highway For Wyoming Mule Deer

Hundreds of mule deer are killed along a 25-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 26, roughly centered around Dubois, so a coalition of state agencies and tribal and private groups has pegged it for Wyoming’s next major wildlife crossing project.

Mark HeinzApril 18, 2024

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Brian Nesvik and members of the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission listen on Wednesday as Lisa Robertson of Wyoming Untrapped speaks about the abuse and killing of a wolf in Daniel.

Angry People Travel From All Over Country To Voice Outrage Over Tortured Wolf

Lorraine Finazzo thought about using Zoom from her home in South Carolina to tell the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission her feelings about a wolf being captured, tortured and killed in Daniel. But felt she needed to make the trip instead.

Mark HeinzApril 17, 2024

Screenshots from a video clip provided exclusively to Cowboy State Daily show Daniel, Wyoming, resident Cody Roberts kneeling over and kissing the muzzle of a weak and injured wolf in the Green River Bar in Daniel on Feb. 29. No reproduction without permission.

Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Blasts Wolf Abuse

The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission on Tuesday issued a stark condemnation of the apparent capture, abuse and killing of a wolf in Sublette County. Meanwhile, Gov. Mark Gordon is “monitoring the situation.”

Mark HeinzApril 16, 2024

A still image from a short video of a muzzled wolf in an undisclosed building released by Wyoming Game and Fish.

Animal Welfare Groups Offer $20,000 In Rewards For Wyoming Wolf Torture Info

Animal welfare groups are upping the ante on trying to get a Wyoming man to face more criminal penalties for allegedly tormenting a young wolf, offering $20,000 in reward money.

Mark HeinzApril 16, 2024

A grizzly vocalizes in the Wyoming wilderness in this file photo. A young male grizzly was confirmed in the Bighorn Mountains of Wyoming, Game and Fish announced Monday, the first confirmation of years of rumors and stories that grizzlies have pushed east from Yellowstone.

Grizzly Confirmed In Wyoming Bighorn Mountains; Bear Killed For Attacking Cattle

After years of rumors that there were grizzly bears roaming Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on Monday confirmed that one has been killed for preying on cattle near Ten Sleep.

Mark HeinzApril 15, 2024

The Reef Fly Shop in Alcova offers guided fly fishing on a stretch of the North Platte River described as a “food factory.”

Wyoming’s Famed North Platte Fly Fishing Is Local Guide’s Office

Trent Tatum’s been fly fishing since he was 5 and knows every turn, hole and current along the Grey Reef of Wyoming’s North Platte River, considered one of the best spots for trout fishing in the U.S.

Dale KillingbeckApril 14, 2024

Shocking Video Shows Cody Roberts Kissing Weak, Injured Wolf In Wyoming Bar

A shocking video clip provided to Cowboy State Daily on Friday evening shows Daniel, Wyoming, resident Cody Roberts in a local bar kneeling over and lifting the head of an obviously weak and injured wolf to kiss it.

Jimmy Orr & Greg JohnsonApril 13, 2024

Disturbing Video Released By Game And Fish Shows Tortured Wyoming Wolf

In response to a public records request, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department on Wednesday evening released two short disturbing video clips of a wolf that had been captured and tormented by a Wyoming, man before being killed.

Mark HeinzApril 11, 2024

A pack of gray wolves runs through the wilderness in northwest Wyoming.

Advocacy Groups Could Use Wolf Torment To Push For Re-Listing Wolves

Environmentalists pushing to have Wyoming’s wolves re-listed under federal protection say the viral story of a wolf being tormented and killed in Sublette County strengthens their case.

Mark HeinzApril 10, 2024

Sublette County Sheriff K.C. Lehr says in a statement that his office is investigating the alleged mistreatment of a wolf. At right in a provided exclusively to Cowboy State Daily, a wolf with red tape wound tightly around its muzzle looks down as Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming, poses with it. No reproduction without permission.

Investigation Could Lead To More Charges For Accused Wyoming Wolf Tormentor

The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that it’s investigating reports of a Wyoming wolf being tormented by a local resident, which could lead to additional criminal charges.

Mark HeinzApril 10, 2024

Wyoming Wolf Abuser Could Get Hunting Privileges Taken Away

Amid a growing outcry for stiffer penalties in the case of a Sublette County man who allegedly tortured a wolf, a retired federal game warden said it might be possible to revoke the man’s hunting privileges.

Mark HeinzApril 09, 2024

Cody Roberts of Thayne, Wyoming, is one of at least seven men in Wyoming with that name. He and others have gotten mixed up with Cody Roberts of Daniel, who allegedly tormented and killed a wolf.

Wyoming Men With Same Name As Alleged Wolf Tormentor Get Death Threats

Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming is at the center of outrage over allegations he tortured a wolf. Now other Wyoming men with the name have been getting threats from all over the world.

Mark HeinzApril 08, 2024

Gov. Mark Gordon, seen in this photo from the 2024 legislative session, says he's "outraged" by the capture, torture and killing of a Wyoming wolf.

Gov. Gordon Joins ‘Outrage’ Over Torment Of Wyoming Wolf

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said Monday that he’s “outraged” over the capture, torment and killing of a Wyoming wolf. Meanwhile, the alleged perpetrator's aunt posted a photo seeming to mock the incident.

Mark HeinzApril 08, 2024

Wyoming Game and Fish Director Brian Nesvik, left, and a photo of Cody Roberts with a wolf with its muzzle taped shut.

Director Says Wyoming Game And Fish Not Hiding Anything In Wolf Torment Case

Brian Nesvik, the director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, told Cowboy State Daily on Monday that the agency isn’t being secretive about the alleged torment and killing of wolf in Sublette County. He said the statues related to releasing information about wolf hunting are complex.

Mark HeinzApril 08, 2024

A cow elk named Molly is fed pancakes in February 1955 at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park. Jimmy the coyote waits in the background for his share.

70 Years Ago, Old Faithful Caretaker Kept Elderly Elk And Coyote Alive With Pancakes

Jimmy the Coyote and Molly the Elk were old and all but toothless during the winter of 1954-1955. By the rules of nature, they should have died. But the caretaker at Old Faithful took pity upon them and started feeding them pancakes.

Mark HeinzApril 06, 2024

In this photo provided exclusively to Cowboy State Daily, a wolf with red tape wound tightly around its muzzle looks down as Cody Roberts of Daniel, Wyoming, poses with it. No reproduction without permission.

Photo Shows Wyoming Man With Tormented Wolf Before It Was Killed

Cowboy State Daily has obtained a photo of a wolf that was captured and had its mouth taped shut while it was reportedly taken to a local man’s house and a bar in rural Daniel, Wyoming, before it was killed.

Greg Johnson & Mark HeinzApril 06, 2024

National Animal Rights Groups Push For Cruelty Charges Over Wyoming Wolf Abuse

Two national animal rights groups are calling on Sublette County officials to bring animal cruelty charges against a local man who allegedly captured, tortured and killed a wolf in Daniel, Wyoming.

Mark HeinzApril 05, 2024

A tanker truck carrying 102,000 salmon smolts (young fish) crashed in Oregon. About 25,000 fish died in the crash, but the rest made it into a nearby creek.

Truck Carrying 102,000 Salmon In Oregon Crashes, Dumps Them In Wrong River

A truck carrying 102,000 salmon in Oregon crashed and spilled nearly 80,000 of them into to the wrong river. The other 22,000 fish didn't make it to the waterway and died.

Mark HeinzApril 05, 2024

Wyoming Skywatchers Can See Solar Eclipse And Green Devil Comet On Same Day

Viewers of the partial solar eclipse in Wyoming on Monday will also have the opportunity to see the green "Devil Comet" on the same day. The chance of seeing a celestial event like this is very rare, according to UW planetarium director Max Gilbraith.

April 05, 2024

First Calf Killed By Wolves In Colorado, Wyoming Rancher, Of Course, Not Surprised

A calf in Grand County, Colorado, was apparently killed by wolves this week — the first verified instance of the predators killing cattle in Colorado since wolves were released there in December.

Mark HeinzApril 04, 2024

Wyoming Animal Cruelty Laws Don’t Apply To Alleged Wolf Torment Case

Animal cruelty charges can’t be filed in the case of a man allegedly tormenting a wolf in Sublette County, because a “predatory animal” is exempted from Wyoming cruelty statutes.

Mark HeinzApril 04, 2024

Wyoming Game And Fish Director Brian Nesvik To Retire

After announcing his pending September retirement Wednesday, Brian Nesvik received high praise from people he worked with as director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Mark HeinzApril 03, 2024

Hunters, Biologists Angered Over Alleged Wolf Torture Case

Hunters and biologists on Wednesday said the alleged capture and abuse of a wolf in Sublette County was not only inhumane and wrong but plays right into the hands of anti-hunting groups who will try to use this to further their agenda.

Mark HeinzApril 03, 2024

The Green River Bar in Daniel Wyoming is the town’s oldest building. It was built in 1899.

Wyoming Man Cited For Capturing Live Wolf, Reportedly Showed It Off In Bar Before Killing It

On Feb. 29, a Sublette County man reportedly captured and tormented a wolf in Daniel, Wyoming. He allegedly taped its mouth shut and showed it off in a bar before taking it out back and shooting it. The man has been charged with possession of a live wolf.

Mark HeinzApril 02, 2024

Bats with white-nose syndrome can be identified by the white coloring the disease causes around their snouts.

Disease That Has Killed Millions Of Bats Threatens Wyoming Populations

A fungal infection that can wipe out entire bat populations, has popped up near southeast Wyoming in Colorado — and it’s already been detected in eastern and northeastern Wyoming.

Mark HeinzApril 01, 2024

A common snapping turtle, affectionately called Old Snappy, hangs out in the vicinity of Grey Reef Road along Wyoming’s North Platte River. It’s thought to be the same turtle that was set free by a biologist in the 1970s.

‘Old Snappy’ A Fixture Along Wyoming’s North Platte River For 45 Years

Old Snappy, a common snapping turtle that hangs out along Wyoming’s North Platte River, might be the same turtle that a biologist set free there 45 years ago.

Mark HeinzApril 01, 2024

$These five deer will all struck and killed within about 100 yards of each other along Highway 189 during the winter of 2022-2023. They represent just a fraction animals killed there over the decades.$

$30M Wildlife Crossings To Target Wyoming Highway ‘Slaughterhouse’

With a new nuclear power plant coming, truck traffic is going to spike on Highway 189 between I-80 and Kemmerer. That's why locals are pleased a new $30 million wildlife crossing project will be built on a stretch already known as a “slaughterhouse” for antelope and deer.

Mark HeinzMarch 31, 2024

Guinea fowl are hardy enough to handle all of Wyoming’s seasons, so long as they have a good place to huddle up.

Got Ticks? Guinea Fowl Could Be Best Way To Get Rid Of Them (Rattlesnakes Too)

A Goshen County couple was alarmed when they found their new property was infested with ticks. But after purchasing a couple dozen guinea fowls to patrol their property, they've been tick-free. Plus, they're also good at killing rattlesnakes.

Mark HeinzMarch 28, 2024

This image from a video shows the first Jackson Hole-area grizzly of 2024 spotted about 3 miles outside Grand Teton National Park on March 23, 2024.

First Teton Area Grizzly Spotted Just Outside Park — And No, It’s Not 399

While Yellowstone’s grizzlies have been waking up for the last few weeks, the first grizzly of Grand Teton usually emerges in the latter half of March. It seems that life moves at a more luxurious pace in Jackson, even for grizzlies.

Andrew RossiMarch 28, 2024

Wyoming Hunters Kill Record 29,000 Elk, But Not Enough To Trim Massive Herds

Hunters killed roughly 29,000 elk in Wyoming, for a record-setting 2023-2024 hunting season. Although that's a huge amount of elk, it only scratches the surface of what's needed to cull the state’s ballooning herds.

Mark HeinzMarch 27, 2024

Entomologist Hunter Deerman caught 53 ticks in a matter of minutes in rural Laramie County on Sunday.

Wyoming Ticks Are Already Coming Out, Entomologist Bags 53 In Minutes

Think it’s too early in the year to worry about ticks in Wyoming? Think again. An entomologist collected 53 in about 40 minutes Sunday in Laramie County.

Mark HeinzMarch 26, 2024