Utah's 2,500 to 3,000 moose population inhabits forested areas along the Wasatch Front and northern regions. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources coordinator Rusty Robinson advises keeping dogs leashed and maintaining distance from moose, which can be more dangerous than bears. Drought conditions may push moose to lower elevations, increasing encounter risks.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges poultry owners to use electric fencing to protect chickens from predation by bears, foxes, raccoons, fisher, coyotes, skunks, and bobcats. Bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau emphasizes that electric net fencing is highly effective when used properly and recommends implementing protection before predators discover chickens.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department invites public comment on Wyoming's 2027 State Wildlife Action Plan through July 27, with a virtual webinar on June 30. The SWAP provides a statewide roadmap for conserving Species of Greatest Conservation Need and unlocks approximately $500,000 in annual federal funds through the State Wildlife Grants program.
Montana FWP completed spring aerial surveys in Region 7 showing mule deer numbers increased for the third consecutive year, with recruitment ratios at 55 fawns per 100 adults. Regional wildlife manager Brett Dorak attributes the recovery to favorable moisture and mild winters, though spring conditions remain dry.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advises residents in bear country to remove outdoor attractants like trash, pet food, and birdfeeders to prevent human-bear conflicts. The agency recommends securing food while recreating and provides guidance on bear encounter response, emphasizing that prevention is easier than managing habituated bears.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks completed 2026 spring aerial surveys in Region 6 showing a 32% increase in mule deer densities from 2025, with fawn-to-adult ratios 21% above long-term averages. Region 6 wildlife manager Scott Thompson attributes the recovery to mild winter conditions and notes that continued moisture could sustain population growth across northeast Montana.
The Oklahoma City Zoo tagged twenty first-generation monarchs with solar-powered transmitters to track their northbound migration. In cooperation with the Dallas Zoo, researchers are monitoring the butterflies' journey using the Project Monarch Science app, with one butterfly nicknamed "Verbena" traveling over 200 miles to Kansas.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is reminding outdoor recreationists to be "bear aware" during Memorial Day weekend. Paul Greer, wildlife manager supervisor at AZGFD's Region 1 office in Pinetop, advises removing attractants like trash and food to prevent bear conflicts and keep both humans and bears safe.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission urges outdoor enthusiasts to leave young wildlife alone during spring and early summer, as mothers are typically nearby. Interfering with young animals can harm both wildlife and humans, and it is illegal to take wildlife from the wild with penalties up to $1,500 per animal.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources urges outdoor enthusiasts not to touch, feed, or take home baby deer fawns or elk calves found during summer hikes. Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle explains that newborn fawns are intentionally left alone by mothers as protection from predators, and human interference can have fatal consequences for the animals.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges drivers to watch for turtles crossing roads, especially near ponds and wetlands during nesting season. Luke Groff, biologist for the department, explains that helping turtles cross safely is important since mature breeding females killed on roads impact population recovery.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife are hosting a public bear awareness meeting on May 27 at Fort Belknap's community Bingo Hall. FWP wildlife stewardship outreach specialist Danielle Oyler will present on bear management, grizzly expansion, and safety, including a hands-on bear spray demonstration.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department advises against touching young wildlife, as mothers typically remain nearby and human contact decreases survival chances. Patrick Isaacson, conservation supervisor, notes that motorists should also watch for deer during dispersal season when vehicle collisions increase.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks begins the fourth season of a multi-year black bear study in the Gravelly Range southwest of Ennis. Researchers will collect hair samples using barbed wire corrals and conduct live captures with GPS collaring to better understand bear populations, habitat use, and inform management decisions.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks will conduct grizzly bear capture operations from May 25 through August 28 on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team will use baited culvert traps and foot snares to monitor the Yellowstone Ecosystem population under Endangered Species Act requirements, with warning signs marking all work areas.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Safari Club International Foundation, American Bear Foundation, and Shoshone National Forest are hosting bear spray giveaways and training events throughout northwest Wyoming in May and June. Participants will receive free bear spray and training using a remote-controlled mock charging bear, with biologists available to discuss bear ecology and safety guidelines.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges people to avoid disturbing deer fawns born in late May and early June. Vermont deer biologist Nick Fortin explains that fawns rely on camouflage and their mother's care, and human interference can result in separation and harm to the animals.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department prohibits keeping native turtles as pets, as it harms individual turtles and threatens wild populations. Herpetologist Luke Groff explains that releasing captured turtles can spread diseases, affect local genetics, and increase road mortality. Mature females are especially critical for population survival.
Massachusetts residents should watch for turtles crossing roadways from mid-May to early July as thousands travel to find food and nesting sites. Dr. Mike Jones, MassWildlife State Herpetologist, emphasizes protecting adult turtles during this vulnerable time, as losing females can lead to local population extinction. Residents should safely move turtles in their direction of travel and report busy crossing locations to MassWildlife.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides safety guidance for encountering cougars while hiking or trail running. Game Mammals Coordinator Chad Wilson advises hiking in groups, making noise, and avoiding dawn and dusk when cougars typically hunt. If encountered, maintain eye contact, stand tall, and back away slowly rather than running.