Outdoors
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Wyoming's Heart Mountain Formed By The Two Largest Landslides In Earth's History
The formation of Heart Mountain near Cody is a story of a block of rock the size of Rhode Island moving at 700 mph, an eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano, and two separate but equally cataclysmic events in Earth’s geologic history.
Andrew RossiJune 29, 2025
Hacking Live Trees To Make Lean-To On Trail Not Only Inconsiderate, It’s Illegal
Responsible users of the public trails on Casper Mountain were outraged this week when someone cut down about 20 young, live trees and made a lean-to on a trail. That’s not only inconsiderate, it’s illegal — if the perpetrators are ever caught.
Mark HeinzJune 28, 2025
It’s Sweet Home Alabama For Bears On Southern ‘Grizzly Ranch’
Alabama might be the last place you’d expect to find grizzly bears, but there are several of them thriving there on the Grizzly Ranch Bear Rescue. The man who runs it says it's his mission in life to rescue bears.
Mark HeinzJune 27, 2025
Grand Teton Tourist Dives Headfirst Through Open Car Window To Avoid Grizzly
A tourist in Grand Teton National Park found himself between a grizzly and its mate earlier this month, so he took the only escape available — he dove headfirst through the open window of his car. A tour guide got a photo of the man’s moment of escape.
Andrew RossiJune 27, 2025
Purple Heart Vet On Wyoming Hunt Almost Tangled With Moose — And Wants To Come Back
As a Purple Heart recipient, Hank Ward has seen a lot, but he’ll never forget the first time he saw a moose in the wild in Wyoming. He almost tangled with a young bull that didn’t see him. Like many vets treated to Wyoming hunts, Ward wants to come back.
Mark HeinzJune 25, 2025
Wyoming Hunters Say They’ll Oppose Public Land Sales, No Matter What
Wyoming hunters said they won’t budge from their staunch opposition to selling public land. That’s despite U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, still pushing for a revised version of his federal land sales measure in a Senate budget bill.
Mark HeinzJune 25, 2025
Hunters And Others Angry About Being Locked Out Of Popular Snowy Range Road
An elk hunter said he nearly trashed his truck and camper because he got locked onto Boswell Road in Albany County and had to drive out the back way in a blizzard. He’s not the only one, as debate continues about whether the road is public or private.
Mark HeinzJune 24, 2025
Yellowstone Visitors Watch Bison Die In 160-Degree Grand Prismatic Spring
Dozens of Yellowstone visitors were shocked to witness the death of a bison as it stepped into the water at the shallow edge of Grand Prismatic Spring on Saturday morning. Left behind is a carcass that will soon be "dissolved" by the 160-degree water.
Andrew RossiJune 24, 2025
Strong Personalities Behind Rift Keeping Star Plunge Closed
A pair of state senators tried to broker a deal last month that would reopen the popular Star Plunge at Hot Springs State Park. It didn’t work, and strong personalities on both sides have opened a rift that’s keeping Star Plunge closed.
Renée JeanJune 23, 2025
Legendary Outdoorsman Jack Dennis Says Pinedale Fight Fuels Tension Between Floaters, Landowners
A spat between anglers and a landowner over a natural water channel connecting Pine Creek and the New Fork River near Pinedale reflects a growing trend of tension between landowners and floaters across Wyoming. “It’s symbolic of greater issues,” outdoorsman Jack Dennis says.
Mark HeinzJune 22, 2025
Storm Chaser In Awe After Capturing ‘Once-In-A-Lifetime’ Tornado
Jim Tang has been chasing storms for a decade, but said the huge Nebraska tornado he got up close and personal with Monday is a “once-in-a-lifetime” encounter. “As a storm chaser, that kind of tornado is your career goal,” he told Cowboy State Daily.
Andrew RossiJune 21, 2025
After Breaking All But One Fishing Rod, Wyoming Man Catches Record Tiger Trout
Shelby Holder of Kemmerer had already broken three of his four fly rods when he decided to go fishing early on June 6. He ended up landing the new Wyoming state record tiger trout, a nearly 15-pound fish.
David MadisonJune 20, 2025
Wyoming's Wild Weather: Snow And Pushing 100 Degrees This Weekend
Wyoming’s weather will be wild this weekend with near-record highs, including pushing 100 in some areas, then snow and freezing temperatures. Whether it’s brutal heat or summer snow, “everyone’s going to be mad at me,” says meteorologist Don Day.
Andrew RossiJune 19, 2025
Selling Federal Public Land Draws Massive Backlash From Western Hunters
Hunters are up in arms over potential federal public land sales included in a U.S. Senate budget bill. Prominent groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wyoming's Muley Fanatic Foundation, and The Boone And Crockett Club all blasted the proposal.
Mark HeinzJune 19, 2025
Carbon County Sheriff Rescues 3 Teens Lost And Stranded On Medicine Bow Peak
Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken left a meeting Monday night when he saw an alert that three teens were lost on Medicine Bow Peak. A former search and rescue volunteer, Bakken hiked up the mountain in the dark with another volunteer and found them.
Justin GeorgeJune 18, 2025
‘Cody Roberts Days’ Banner Greets Pro-Wolf Activists On Ride Through Daniel
When pro-wolf activists arrived in Daniel, Wyoming, on Saturday to protest the state’s wolf management policies, they were greeted by a large banner celebrating the man who made international headlines for reportedly running down a wolf with a snowmobile.
Mark HeinzJune 18, 2025
Angler Shoots, Kills Charging Cow Moose Near Resort In Bighorn Mountains
An angler shot and killed a cow moose he says charged him Saturday on the North Tongue River near Bear Lodge Resort in the Bighorn Mountains. The cow’s two young calves had to be put down.
Mark HeinzJune 17, 2025
Western Wyoming Wildfire Burns Close To Historic Lookout Post
The Horse Fire burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming on Tuesday has come within 2 miles of a historic fire lookout post on Prospect Peak. The outpost has been covered in an aluminum-based wrap as a precaution.
Greg JohnsonJune 17, 2025
Photographer Wanted To Shoot Lightning; He Found Rarely Seen Lightning Bugs
A photographer out to get shots of lightning Saturday found a field full of rarely seen lightning bugs near Clearmont, Wyoming. It was a rare sighting because the bugs typically come out in humid weather, something in short supply here.
Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2025
German Shepherd Jumps From Vehicle, Tries To Run Down Wolf In Yellowstone
A German shepherd showed its predator instincts Friday, leaping from a vehicle and chasing a wolf in Yellowstone National Park. A wildlife guide said the wolf, a juvenile, might have felt intimidated.
Mark HeinzJune 17, 2025
Grand Teton’s Popular Taggart Lake Trails To Get $8.5 Million Facelift
The Taggart Lake trail system is a popular Grand Teton National Park destination for hikers and outdoors enthusiasts. It’s about to get more popular with $8.5 million worth of improvements, including better parking.
Andrew RossiJune 15, 2025
It’s A Good Thing California Doesn’t Have Grizzlies, Bear Spray Is Banned There
While officials admonish hikers to carry bear spray in Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it’s banned in California’s Yosemite National Park. They consider it a weapon and are worried people will spray each other with it.
Mark HeinzJune 15, 2025
Aircraft Fighting Wyoming Wildfire Grounded By Someone Flying A Drone
Aerial efforts to fight a nearly 800-acre wildfire burning in a rugged area of western Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest were grounded Saturday because someone flew a drone over the fire.
Greg JohnsonJune 15, 2025
Landowner Tag Changes Could Hurt Hunts For Disabled Vets, Organizers Worry
A proposal to raise the number of acres to qualify for landowner hunting tags in Wyoming from 160 to 640 has organizers of hunts for disabled veterans worried. Their concern is the change would shrink the pool of donated tags available to veterans.
Mark HeinzJune 15, 2025
Marmots Might Seem Harmless, But They’ll Chew Up And Destroy Your Car
Marmots might seem pudgy and harmless, but they can disable vehicles by chewing up hoses and wires. Some people are now wrapping their cars in tarps to protect against the ravenous rodents.
Mark HeinzJune 14, 2025
Wisconsin Man Sets New World Record For Largest Grizzly Ever Killed By A Hunter
A Wisconsin man has set a new world record for the largest grizzly ever killed by a hunter. The size of the Alaskan bear is "staggering" and experts say this record will be next to impossible to beat.
Mark HeinzJune 14, 2025
Makeshift 399 Memorial At Spot She Was Killed Draws Fans, But May Not Be Legal
Since the death of Grizzly 399 last year, a wooden post along Highway 26/89 in the Snake River Canyon has served as the unofficial memorial for fans of the bear. People leave flowers, stuffed animals, and other artifacts. But it's probably not legal.
Andrew RossiJune 14, 2025
After Two Sasquatch Sightings In Colorado, Boulder County Puts On Bigfoot Hunt
Boulder County has been buzzing with Sasquatch fever after two reported sightings this year both in the vicinity of Longmont. So a group of Bigfoot-hunters went out on Friday night to track him down. Although they came up empty-handed, the group plans another outing this summer.
Mark HeinzJune 14, 2025
The Bats Of Fort Laramie Have Returned For Another Summer In Bat Heaven
Thousands of bats have returned to Historic Fort Laramie in southeastern Wyoming. Right before each bat comes out into the night, their vocalizations suddenly stop. There’s a silent pause and then out they come with a dramatic entrance, gracefully, but silently, dipping and swooping.
Renée JeanJune 14, 2025
Montana Grizzly Killed By Landowner Is Seventh Killed This Year In State
A male grizzly was shot and killed Wednesday south of the northcentral Montana town of Havre on the northeast side of the Bear's Paw Mountains. It’s the seventh grizzly killed this year in the that state.
Jimmy OrrJune 13, 2025
Tourist Who Buzzed Yellowstone Osprey Nest With Drone Could Get Six Months In Jail
A tourist allegedly used a drone to buzz an osprey nest in Yellowstone National Park and could face up to six months in jail and a $5,000 fine for the violation of park rules.
Mark HeinzJune 12, 2025
Interior Secretary Burgum Wants Foreign Visitor Fees, $1B Cut To National Parks
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wants to charge fees for foreigners visiting America’s national parks, as well as cut $1 billion from their budgets. Burgum defended the plan Wednesday during a Senate hearing.
Renée JeanJune 11, 2025
New Jersey Man Gored By Bison Near Old Faithful In Yellowstone
A New Jersey man on Tuesday became the second person this year to be gored by a bison in Yellowstone National Park. Authorities say the 30-year-old was near Old Faithful and got too close to the animal when it turned and gored him.
Andrew RossiJune 10, 2025
Yellowstone Antelope Relentlessly Chase Coyote That Tried To Snatch Fawn
Getting a meal is no easy task for coyotes in Yellowstone National Park. One unfortunate coyote was relentlessly pursued by some pronghorn after trying to snatch a fawn in the Lamar Valley.
Mark HeinzJune 10, 2025
‘Nonresident Native’ Tags Could Bring Former Wyomingites Back Home To Hunt
People born and raised in Wyoming who move to other states must pay expensive nonresident tag fees to come back to hunt. Legislators are considering lower-priced “nonresident native” hunting tags for them.
Mark HeinzJune 09, 2025
Popular Shell Falls In The Bighorns Is Closed, And Won’t Reopen For Two Years
Shell Falls, a popular outdoors attraction in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest, is closed for the next two years for repairs. It’s the second out-of-commission spot in the region this summer on the heels of Crazy Woman Canyon’s unexpected closure.
Renée JeanJune 09, 2025
The Great Salt Lake Is Swarming With Billions Of Brine Flies
Just in time for tourist season, billions of brine flies are hatching at the Great Salt Lake. Although they've got a bad reputation among humans, they’re an immensely valuable food source for animals. Dozens of birds swoop their beaks into the lake to grab brine flies by the mouthful.
Andrew RossiJune 08, 2025
Lander-Based National Outdoor Leadership School Has Gone Global Over 6 Decades
It’s been 60 years since 100 men headed into the Wind River Range on June 8, 1965, the first National Outdoor Leadership School program. The Lander, Wyoming-based nonprofit has evolved to host thousands of students a year in locations across the globe.
Amber SteinmetzJune 07, 2025
Controversial Proposal To Let Landowners Sell Hunting Tags Revived
After being shot down during the Wyoming Legislature’s 2025 session, a proposal to let Wyoming landowners put their hunting tags up for sale was revived before a legislative committee Friday.
Mark HeinzJune 07, 2025
Wyoming’s Golden Age Of Mule Deer Is Gone, With Fewer Than Half Of Peak Numbers
Wyoming has fewer than half of the 500,000 mule deer it did during the heyday of the 1960s to 1980s, and it will likely never see mule deer herds like that again, a Game and Fish official told legislators Friday.
Mark HeinzJune 06, 2025
It's Not Easy To Get Bison Off The Road (When They Don't Want To)
Bison are massive, obstinate, and have no regard for rules of the road. Even park rangers struggle to overcome their stubbornness, as evidenced by a recent game of “Ring Around the Rosie” between a bison and a Park Service SUV in Yellowstone National Park.
Andrew RossiJune 06, 2025
Photographers Aghast At Dimwitted Tourist Who Allowed Toddler Next To Bison
Wildlife photographers Rob and Jennifer Gunderson have seen a lot of questionable behavior over the years in Yellowstone. This week they were taken aback when they saw a woman allowing her toddler to stand right next to a full-grown 2,000-pound bison.
Andrew RossiJune 06, 2025
‘Sad Bear’ Signs Target Stretch Of Highway Where Grizzlies Keep Getting Hit
Researchers are taking a new route to keep drivers from barreling through Grand Teton grizzly habitat. They're tugging on people's heartstrings by putting up “sad bear” roadside signs, urging them to slow down.
Mark HeinzJune 06, 2025
As Minerals, Wind And Solar Projects Boom In Wyoming, Should Companies Pay For Displaced Wildlife?
State Sen. Larry Hicks is proposing a bill that would compensate Wyoming residents for “loss of property” when huge wind, solar, minerals or other energy projects displace wildlife.
Mark HeinzJune 05, 2025
Hunter Calls For Counter-Protest During Daniel Rally Against Wolf Torture
An outdoorsman is calling for people to show up in Daniel on June 14 to support Wyoming’s wolf management policies and to counter what he says is the inaccurate demonization of local resident Cody Roberts.
Mark HeinzJune 05, 2025
Early Elk Migration Could Be To Blame For Low Sales At Jackson Antler Auction
An early elk migration out of the National Elk Refuge could be to blame for a plunge in revenue from this year’s elk antler auction in Jackson. The annual auction consistently pulls in about $200,000 but this year’s auction generated only $109,000.
Mark HeinzJune 04, 2025
Elderly Wyoming Mustangs Enjoy Life On Oregon Sanctuary They Helped Make Famous
Goliath and Blue Zeus are two huge mustang stallions who lived hardscrabble lives on the Wyoming range and now enjoy freedom and plentiful forage on a 9,000-acre horse sanctuary in Oregon. Goliath is 33-years-old while Blue Zeus is 24.
Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025
Hazing Of Grizzly 1063 Led To Cubs Being Killed, Photographer Tom Mangelsen Says
World famous wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen said he believes the National Park Service's "hard hazing" of Grizzly 1063 last month led to two of her cubs being killed and cannibalized by a large male grizzly. The National Park Service disputes that.
Mark HeinzJune 03, 2025
Yellowstone Pool, Which Exploded In Spectacular Fashion Last Summer, Erupts Again
The Black Diamond Pool, in Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin, blew up on Saturday evening. The area has been closed to the public ever since a spectacular explosion sent tourists screaming and running in all directions last summer.
Andrew RossiJune 02, 2025
15 Cattle Dropped Dead In One Day On Colorado Ranch Remains A Mystery
A Colorado ranch family suffered a devastating loss when 15 head of cattle died suddenly in a single day. Weeks later, they still haven’t figured out why.
Mark HeinzJune 02, 2025
When and Where To Hear Wolves Howling in Yellowstone
Going to Yellowstone and want to hear the howling of wolves? There are a lot of factors at play but the most important is just like real estate: location, location, location. Lamar Valley is your best bet.
Andrew RossiJune 02, 2025
As Tough As Moose Are, Tens Of Thousands Of Ticks Can Bring Them Down
Given their massive size and cantankerous attitudes, Wyoming’s moose might seem practically indestructible, but if enough ticks pile on to a moose, they can kill it -- and they do.
Mark HeinzJune 01, 2025
Hummingbirds Return to Wyoming, Sucking Down Enough Sugar To Put A Human In A Coma
Hummingbird season is back across Wyoming, drawing out fans of the tiny species known for aerial acrobatics and pollination of flowers. To fuel their sky-high metabolic rate, they suck down about 80% of their body weight in nectar each day.
David MadisonJune 01, 2025
Severe Geomagnetic Storm Could Make Spectacular Auroras Over Wyoming
The Space Weather Prediction Center on Saturday issued a Severe geomagnetic storm watch for June 1 and 2 when a massive surge of solar energy reaches Earth. That means some fantastic aurora displays could be in store for Wyoming skywatchers.
Andrew RossiMay 31, 2025
Why The World’s Best Kayakers Train On The Whitewater Of Montana’s Gallatin River
It’s highwater season on Montana’s Gallatin River, and a growing posse of kayakers are paddling its infamous House Rock section, training for even scarier whitewater. There’s a reason the world’s best kayakers train here.
David MadisonMay 31, 2025
Why It Probably Doesn't Make Any Sense To Keep Searching For Grizzly 399's Cub, Spirit
Since Wyoming’s most famous bear, Grizzly 399, was killed by a car last fall, there hasn't been a verified sighting of her cub, Spirit. Famed wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen, who named the cub, says it would probably take genetic testing to positively identify the bear.
Mark HeinzMay 31, 2025
Bear Stops By Burgess Junction Visitor Center, Barely Misses Busload Of Tourists
A young black bear decided to take a stroll right up to the Burgess Junction Visitor Center in the Bighorn mountains early Wednesday. The bear missed a busload of tourists by about 20 minutes.
Mark HeinzMay 31, 2025
Colorado Wolves Caught For Killing Livestock Let Go, Blamed For Killing Cows Again
Colorado’s Copper Creek wolf pack was captured and put in captivity last year for killing livestock. After being released, they’re now blamed for killing cows again.
Mark HeinzMay 30, 2025
BLM Proceeds With Roundup Of Rare Curly-Haired Horses Despite Pending Court Case
Despite a lawsuit challenging the capture of wild mustangs in central Wyoming still pending in federal court, the Bureau of Land Management has decided to proceed with the roundup of nearly 3,000 horses.
Mark HeinzMay 29, 2025
Quake In Yellowstone Spooks Humans, But Bears Don’t Care
A wildlife photographer definitely felt an earthquake in the Hayden Valley area of Yellowstone on Monday evening but the bears she was filming? Couldn't care less.
Mark HeinzMay 29, 2025
Wyoming’s Miracle Mile Is Prized For Trout, But Not So Much The Kokanee Salmon
The Miracle Mile on the North Platte River in central Wyoming is prized as a trout fishery. Spawning kokanee salmon can also be caught there, although they might taste awful if caught during fall spawning runs.
Mark HeinzMay 28, 2025
Climbing Everest With Gas, Cheating Or The Future? Wyoming Climbers Split
Climbers are split over a British team’s use of xenon gas to climb Mount Everest in just four days. One Wyoming Everest climber says it’s “pathetic” and “straight-up cheating,” while another says it’s a safe innovation that will keep people healthy.
Andrew RossiMay 28, 2025
Crisis Or Hyperbole? How National Parks Will Fare This Summer
Some retired and current National Park Service officials claim federal cuts will cause chaos in the parks this summer. Others, including the person who used to oversee the National Park Service, says it’s hyperbole and the parks will be just fine.
Mark HeinzMay 28, 2025
Yellowstone’s Explosive Biscuit Basin Won’t Be Open To The Public This Summer
Because of last year’s spectacular explosion and continuing seismic activity at Yellowstone’s Biscuit Basin, park officials are keeping the area closed. Online visitors can check in via webcam, however.
Andrew RossiMay 28, 2025
Motorcycle Rally Against Wolf Torture Plans Return To Daniel, Wyoming
Hogs for Hope, a motorcycle rally in response to the torture and killing of a wolf in Daniel, plans a return to the western Wyoming town June 14. The event organizer says he won’t stop the rallies until Wyoming reforms its wolf management policy.
Mark HeinzMay 26, 2025
How Two Casper Teens Were Responsible For The National Outcry To Protect Eagles
Two Casper high school seniors who discovered numerous dead bald eagles on a hike in 1971 helped fuel a national outcry to protect them. The investigation led to charges against Wyoming ranchers bent on keeping predators from their sheep.
Dale KillingbeckMay 25, 2025
Cheyenne Botanic Gardens Buys Tulips By The Thousands, And They Last For Years
Holland may be famous for its tulips, but they’re all over Cheyenne as well each summer. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens buys them by the thousands, and they thrive in southeast Wyoming, some lasting for a decade.
Renée JeanMay 25, 2025
Remembering Scott Talbott: 2nd-Longest Serving Director In Wyoming Game And Fish History
Scott Talbott died in April from pancreatic cancer. As the second-longest serving director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Talbott leaves behind a legacy of conservation and leadership and being the “perfect dad” to his sons.
Jen KocherMay 25, 2025
Exploring Wyoming: How To Navigate Through Yellowstone's Bison Jams
If you get stuck in one of Yellowstone's bison jams, you might be doomed for a long time. That's why wildlife photographer Max Waugh, who has led tours in Yellowstone for 25 years, published a book on ways to navigate the jams -- which include considering yourself a bison.
Andrew RossiMay 24, 2025
Group Aims To Raise $500 Million To Get Wildlife Crossing Projects Rolling Again
With federal money for wildlife crossings running dry and on hold, the Wildlife Crossing Fund aims to raise $500 million in private donations. The goal is to get wildlife crossing projects rolling again across Wyoming and other states.
Mark HeinzMay 24, 2025
Poo-Poo Project Saves Wyoming Owls, Other Birds From Horrible Public Toilet Deaths
The Teton Raptor Center's award-winning Poo-Poo Project is saving owls and other birds from horrible deaths by getting trapped inside public vault toilets. The solution the center developed is now being used in all 50 states.
Andrew RossiMay 24, 2025
Grizzly Shot, Killed After Charging Mushroom Pickers Near Montana Prairie Town
Two Montana men shot and killed a grizzly that charged them while they were picking mushrooms late Wednesday near the town of Choteau. That’s in prairie country where grizzlies have recently become more common.
Mark HeinzMay 24, 2025