Antelope Island State Park hosts one of the nation's largest public bison herds, with 500-550 animals in winter and over 700 after spring calving. Park Manager Doranne Pittz and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Coordinator Rusty Robinson urge visitors to maintain safe distances and avoid approaching bison for photographs to prevent dangerous encounters.
A partial closure is in effect at Point of Rocks Fishing Access Site on the upper Yellowstone River north of Carbella due to a grizzly bear feeding on an animal carcass. The northern portion east of U.S. Highway 89 is closed, while the southern portion and boat ramp remain open. Recreationists floating the river are advised to stay river right and avoid stopping between the Highway 89 bridge and 1 mile downstream.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources partnered with the City of Mt. Pleasant to capture and relocate a 150-pound black bear that wandered into a residential neighborhood. DNR wildlife biologists Mark Boersen, Scott Larsen, and Brian Piccolo tranquilized the bear and transported it approximately 60 miles to the Houghton Lake area.
The Rocky Mountain tailed frog is Montana's most unique amphibian, specializing in cold mountain stream habitats. Males have evolved an external cloaca to internally fertilize eggs, and tadpoles use suction-cup mouths to cling to rocks in swift currents for three years before metamorphosis.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife biologist Jillian Kilborn advises landowners to delay mowing until after August 1 to protect nesting grassland birds like bobolinks, Savannah sparrows, and eastern meadowlarks. Landowners facing income loss can seek assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service EQIP program or The Bobolink Project.
During extreme drought conditions, wildlife may migrate into neighborhoods seeking food and water. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources recommends building 8-foot fences, installing motion-activated sprinklers, and planting unpalatable vegetation to protect gardens. Mike Wardle, DWR Big Game Coordinator, emphasizes not feeding wildlife as it creates safety risks and spreads disease.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife urges boaters and anglers to protect nesting loons by maintaining safe distances and removing fishing gear hazards. Jillian Kilborn and Eric Hanson highlight threats from human disturbance and lead tackle, while the Vermont Center for Ecostudies coordinates conservation efforts including collection tubes for lead tackle disposal at over 30 boat access areas.
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.