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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
"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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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