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.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Shoshone National Forest, captured and relocated an adult male grizzly bear on April 25, 2026, from Park County to Wiggins Fork drainage near Dubois due to cattle depredation on private land.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission advises against moving young wildlife that appears abandoned, as mothers typically leave offspring to forage or avoid attracting predators. Moving animals often causes harm, and rehabilitators are overwhelmed with kidnapped young. The best practice is leaving wildlife in place, as mothers will locate their young regardless of human scent.
The Michigan DNR, Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, and USDA are sampling deer in Charlevoix and Antrim counties following bovine TB detection in a local cattle herd. Partners including the Antrim County and Charlevoix County Farm Bureaus, Little Traverse Conservancy, Baiardi Family Foundation, and Manna Food Project are coordinating efforts to test and donate venison to local families.
SCI Foundation's Education Department released a one-hour documentary on YouTube exploring grizzly bear recovery in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems. Featuring perspectives from state and tribal wildlife managers, ranchers, outfitters, and conservationists, the film highlights science-based wildlife management and public education through partnerships including Safari Club International Foundation, Bear Trust International, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Montana's spring wildflowers are beginning to emerge across diverse habitats from mountain tops to sagebrush areas. The article features eight early-blooming species including Yellow Glacier Lilies, Pasqueflower, Bitterroot, and Shootingstar, with details on their appearance, bloom times, and locations throughout the state.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Yellowstone National Park's Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team will conduct grizzly bear captures from May 1 through October 15 for population monitoring under the Endangered Species Act. The public is urged to heed warning signs marking capture sites in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.