May
20
2013
For mysterious, unspecified reasons, the feds have postponed making a decision on removing wolves from the endangered species list throughout the Continental U.S. . . . Federal wildlife officials are postponing a much-anticipated decision on whether to lift protections for gray wolves across the Lower 48 states. In a court filing Monday, government attorneys say [...]
Tags: Endangered Species List, wolf management
May
19
2013
Glacier Park is hosting their usual early-season informational community meetings this week. The first is this Wednesday, May 22, in Columbia Falls from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Teakettle Community Hall; the second is in East Glacier on Thursday, May 23 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Glacier Park Lodge. Here’s the official press release . . . [...]
Tags: Glacier National Park, informational meeting
May
13
2013
Grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) could be removed form the threatened species list as early as next year. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFS) is developing a “conservation strategy” to deal with this eventuality. On May 2, a draft version of this plan was released for public comment. There is [...]
Tags: bear population, Endangered Species Act, grizzly bear research, grizzly bears, Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem
May
13
2013
The Montana FWP commission floated a proposal last week to expand the wolf hunt . . . State wildlife commissioners are taking public comment on a proposal to lengthen the hunting season for wolves and increase the bag limit from one to five. The Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission gave tentative approval to the plan [...]
Tags: Montana FWP Commission, wolf hunt, wolf population, wolf quotas
May
13
2013
Kate Kendall, Glacier Park grizzly bear biologist, is retiring the end of this month . . . Kate Kendall laid the groundwork for modern grizzly bear population studies in northwest Montana and, with a career that spanned 35 years, pioneered a brave new path for women in a male-dominated field. The U.S. Geological Survey scientist [...]
Tags: Glacier National Park, grizzly bears, Kate Kendall
May
07
2013
Montana, Idaho and Wyoming officials don’t think wolverines need federal “threatened species” protection . . . State officials in the Northern Rockies on Monday lined up against a federal proposal to give new protections to the carnivorous wolverine, as climate change threatens to melt the species’ snowy mountain strongholds. A pending U.S. Fish and Wildlife [...]
Tags: threatened species list, wolverine trapping, wolverines
May
02
2013
A couple of guys found a new species of Indian paintbrush a few years ago while hiking in the Scapegoat Wilderness . . . When Pete Lesica and Dave Hanna get their boots on the ground, they like to keep their eyes there, too. “I do botany as a hobby and as a living. I’m [...]
Tags: Indian paintbrush, Scapegoat Wilderness
May
02
2013
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is proposing a longer wolf hunt and higher kill limits for next season . . . Montana wildlife commissioners may extend the hunting season for wolves and the number of predators that can be killed by a hunter or trapper. Fish, Wildlife and Parks is proposing a rifle season from [...]
Tags: Montana FWP, wolf hunt, wolf quotas
Apr
30
2013
In a long-overdue change, starting July 1, Montana’s state parks will be overseen by a dedicated commission, independent of the fish and wildlife commission . . . Montana’s state parks will be overseen by a board dedicated to parks and recreation issues under a law signed Monday that will divide the duties of the former [...]
Tags: Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, parks commission
Apr
30
2013
A current grizzly bear diet study is an important factor in determine whether to continue federal protections . . . Researchers say a study on Yellowstone ecosystem grizzly bear diets should be completed this October. The study will help determine whether managers will recommend ending federal protections for the species. Continue reading . . .
Tags: bear study, diet, grizzly bears, Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team