Outdoors
News

Did You Know? Elk Are Nature's Garbage Disposals, They'll Eat Anything
Elk could be regarded as walking septic tanks in that the range of bacteria in their gut allows them to eat things other animals can't handle. They have a multi-stomach digestive system and the first stomach is “essentially a fermentation vat."
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

Circle Of Life: Eagles, Ravens Feast On Bison Killed By Wolves In Yellowstone
Bald eagles might be regarded as the most fearsome predators of the sky, but like any other wild creature, they do whatever it takes to survive winter. Accordingly, they scavenge more than hunt during the cold months, biologists told Cowboy State Daily.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

Death Of Grizzly Called ‘Tex’ In Canada Mirrors Controversies Over Wyoming Bears
The controversy over grizzlies in southwestern British Columbia mirrors the situation in Wyoming, as grizzlies wander into new places and run afoul of people and cattle. Such was the case with a grizzly called Tex who was killed by residents protecting their cows.
Mark HeinzFebruary 22, 2026

Snowmobilers Cheer: Iconic Albany Lodge West Of Laramie Reopening Under New Name
Snowmobilers were disappointed when the iconic Albany Lodge west of Laramie closed in June. But to their delight, it’s set to reopen under new ownership and a new name. “Come in for cold beer, good food and a great time,” the new owners said.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

Yellowstone’s Beloved Coyote Trickster Limpy Is Starting To Show His Age
Limpy, a well-known Yellowstone National Park coyote, suckers snacks out of tourists by acting injured and needy. He’s a popular attraction, but at 8 to 9 years old, he could be nearing his end.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

Bears Dash Across Ski Slope As Mild Winter Sparks Unusual Sightings
A mother black bear with two cubs went tearing across a California ski slope on Wednesday. With mild winter weather, unexpected wildlife spottings are occurring in Wyoming, California and Canada.
Mark HeinzFebruary 21, 2026

Two Charged In Illegal, Out-Of-Season Wolf Killing In Wyoming
Two men were charged in connection with an illegal wolf killing near Cody. The wolf was killed in a wolf hunting zone, but authorities allege it was shot without a license and out of season.
Mark HeinzFebruary 18, 2026

Dog Rescued After 43 Days Lost In The Colorado Rockies
Rocky, a Labrador-boxer mix, survived alone for 43 days in subzero nights in the Colorado mountains after escaping from his harness on a walk. “He’s a survivor,” said the rescuer. “He went from 50 pounds down to 26 pounds. He went against all the odds.”
Andrew RossiFebruary 18, 2026

Wyoming Mule Deer Fat And Happy Now But Biologists Say Snowfall Is Needed
Unlike the winter of 2022-2023, when mule deer were starving and dying by the thousands in Wyoming, this year the herd is looking quite healthy. “The deer are fat. They look awesome,” said avid hunter and deer conservationist Zachary Key of La Barge.
Mark HeinzFebruary 17, 2026

Wild: Ice Cracking On Wyoming Reservoir Sounds Like A ‘Star Wars’ Laser Gunfight
About midmorning on Sunday, as the temperature crept above freezing, the ice sheet on Boysen Reservoir started making sounds like something out of a science fiction movie. Scientists say the otherworldly noises come from ice cracking under warming temperatures.
Mark HeinzFebruary 16, 2026

Oregon Animal Rights Activists Push To Basically Ban Hunting, Fishing, Ranching
Animal rights activists in Oregon are pushing a ballot initiative that would effectively ban hunting, fishing and ranching. Should it pass, one Oregon resident said there aren’t enough prisons in the country to hold all the “lawbreakers” it would create.
Mark HeinzFebruary 15, 2026

Hundreds Of Thousands Pretend They're Yellowstone Wolves In Online Game ‘WolfQuest’
Every day some 5,000 people worldwide are playing the online game WolfQuest. That's where you become a wolf in Yellowstone and do everything wolves do like kill elk, avoid being shot, and fight with other wolves.
Mark HeinzFebruary 14, 2026

Yellowstone's Valentine Geyser Lovingly Erupts For The First Time In 21 Years
Valentine Geyser in the Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park unexpectedly sprang to life again with 13 documented eruptions in 2025. It's the first eruptions for the lovingly-named geyser in 21 years.
Andrew RossiFebruary 14, 2026

Camo-Clad Hunters Show Up In Force To Support Legalizing Wyoming Corner-Crossing
In a room packed with camouflage-clad hunters, a legislative committee voted Thursday to forward a bill that would officially make corner-crossing legal in Wyoming.
Mark HeinzFebruary 13, 2026

Senate Soundly Rejects Landowner Hunting Tag Sales As Supporters Vow To Try Again
A bill that would have allowed the sale of landowner hunting tags was soundly rejected for introduction to the Wyoming Senate. Hunters hailed it as a victory while Sen. Tim French, a vocal supporter, vowed to bring it back.
Mark HeinzFebruary 10, 2026

Lack Of Snowflakes Haven’t Discouraged Wyoming Ski Season Pass Holders
By and large, skiers know the drill: Purchase a season pass, take a gamble on the weather. Ski areas famously have policies against refunds because of unseasonable weather. And season pass holders in Wyoming are taking it in stride, at least so far.
Kate MeadowsFebruary 09, 2026

Sharktana: Movie About Frozen Sharks Coming To Life On Ski Slopes Begins Filming
The horror-comedy movie "Sharktana" begins filming at the Lost Horse Lodge in Montana on Monday. The movie is about warm temperatures melting ice that held sharks frozen in a remote cave. One shark has already gotten loose and gone on a feeding frenzy.
Anna-Louise JacksonFebruary 09, 2026

How To Unite Hunters & Animal Rights Groups? Announce Plans To Gun Down 2,000 Mule Deer
It's not often when animal rights groups and hunters agree on something. But in the case of the plan to gun down 2,000 mule deer on Catalina Island off the coast of southern California, it's happening. The two are teaming up to stop the massacre.
Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2026

Wyoming Wildlife: Mink Are Seldom Seen, Look Friendly, But Are Deadly Predators
Mink might look cute in photos, but they aren't very nice. They are fast, clever and deadly predators, taking down critters bigger than themselves — like muskrats. They call Wyoming home, but are elusive and seldom seen.
Mark HeinzFebruary 09, 2026

Blindfolded Wyoming Bighorns Ride Helicopters For Research
Until about March, folks might see blindfolded bighorn sheep or deer flying around, slung in harnesses under helicopters. They aren’t being nabbed by well-equipped poachers but are transported for population studies, disease testing and other research.
Mark HeinzFebruary 08, 2026

Riverton Residents In Path Of Growing Wildfire Ordered To Leave
A growing wildfire just south of Riverton reported Saturday afternoon has jumped the Wind River and has prompted an immediate evacuation order for residents in its path. The fire is well over 100 acres and in an area near houses.
Greg JohnsonFebruary 08, 2026

Why The Outrage Over Trophy Hunting?
"Trophy hunting" has become a loaded term as the possible delisting of Wyoming’s grizzlies looms. Hunters say it represents the pinnacle of their sport. Critics say it’s all about ego.
Mark HeinzFebruary 06, 2026

Photographer Who Broke Leg In Remote Area Of Yellowstone, Is Grateful She Wasn't Alone
A wildlife photographer who broke her leg in a remote area of Yellowstone last Sunday said it taught her the importance of not venturing out alone, especially in areas without cellular service. Her companion was able to get her back to their car safely.
Mark HeinzFebruary 05, 2026

Gigantic Grizzly 399 Sculpture To Be Dedicated At Jackson Museum In September
The world-famous Grizzly 399 and her four cubs will be honored with a larger-than-life bronze sculpture at the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson. The piece by sculptor Jocelyn Russell will be dedicated on Sept. 9, 2026.
Andrew RossiFebruary 05, 2026
