Wildlife

Wolf Killed Illegally Near Grand Teton National Park, $3,000 Reward Offered

A gray wolf has been illegally shot and killed just outside Grand Teton National Park. Wyoming wildlife officials have posted a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the poacher.

Montana Governor Asked to "Provide Leadership" In Yellowstone Bison Controversy

With hazing operations resuming to drive bison back into Yellowstone National Park, conservation groups are urging Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer to "provide leadership" to resolve the controversy.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Settlement Spawns Vandalism

A settlement intended to resolve conflicts between off-road vehicle users and breeding birds and sea turtles at Cape Hatteras National Seashore seems to be having the opposite effect. Vandals have torn down signs designating buffers around nest sites and business owners say the settlement will devastate them.

Creature Feature: The Red-Throated Loon

The red-throated loon is the smallest, most widely distributed, and most distinctive of the world’s five loon species. Annually migrating from summer nesting sites in the Arctic reaches of North America and Eurasia to wintering grounds in the Lower 48, Mexico, Europe, and Asia, this bird can really move.

Vet Removes Snare From Neck of Wolf in Denali National Park and Preserve

A volunteer effort has been able to remove a trapper's snare from around the neck of a wolf in Denali National Park and Preserve. Unfortunately, a second wolf that also was caught up in a snare has not been seen.

In the News: Loss of Cougars in Yosemite National Park, "Uranium Rush" at Grand Canyon National Park

Critics of the National Park Service's mandate to conserve natural resources often say the national parks were not intended to be kept inside bell jars. And that's certainly not happening. Proof can be seen in how the loss of cougars is thought to be adversely affecting Yosemite National Park and the recent rush to find uranium near Grand Canyon National Park.

Bison, Elk and Bears Might Be Cute, But These Videos and Statistics From National Parks Suggest Caution

Ever consider a sprint with an elk or bison? Well, if you're not careful, you just might wind up in that predicament in Yellowstone National Park. And you won't win.

Groups Sue To Overturn Removal of Greater Yellowstone Wolves from Endangered Species List

Has Yellowstone National Park's wolf recovery program, now more than a decade old, succeeded? The federal government thinks so, as evidenced by the removal of greater Yellowstone wolves from the Endangered Species List. But a coalition of conservation group differs, and has filed a lawsuit to overturn the delisting.

Creature Feature: the Many-Colored Fruit Dove

A tiny clutch of islands in the South Pacific harbors not only the National Park of American Samoa, one of the National Park System’s oft-overlooked delights, but also some of the last vestiges of the many-Colored Fruit Dove, a colorful bird that long has captivated those lucky enough to spy it.

Snared Wolves At Denali National Park and Preserve Cast Ugly Shadow on Trappers

Wolf trapping that went wrong has left two wolves with snares cinched around their necks roaming Denali National Park and Preserve just as tourist season is about to arrive.

GYC Explains Value of Latest Agreement for Yellowstone National Park Bison

On April 17, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer and Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis announced that an agreement had been struck that opens up additional habitat for bison north of the park. This deal signifies the biggest step forward for Yellowstone bison in over a decade and will result in bison roaming onto traditional winter habitat over six miles north of Yellowstone National Park

Flying Squirrels, Scenic Vistas, and the Blue Ridge Parkway

The National Park Service has a cumbersome conundrum on its hands at the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the agency is grappling with how to preserve scenic vistas along the 469-mile-long road while not making further inroads on habitat critical for the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel.

Yellowstone National Park Bison Agreement: How Big A Step Forward Is It?

If the winter of 2008-09 is as severe as this slowly retreating winter, will it matter that 25 Yellowstone National Park bison have been saved from slaughter while another 1,200 or so are trucked to their death? Those paying $2.8 million to gain grazing rights to a ranch just north of Yellowstone think so.

National Park Service Helps Expand Bison Range North of Yellowstone National Park

A $2.8 million agreement has been reached that will expand the northern range for Yellowstone National Park bison. Under the agreement, cattle will be removed from the Royal Teton Ranch for the next 30 years.

Group's Lawsuit Says Wolves, Not Bullets, Should Control Elk at Rocky Mountain National Park

Wolves, not bullets, should be used to cull the elk herds that move through Rocky Mountain National Park, according to a lawsuit filed against the Interior Department and National Park Service.

Paper Calls For Park Service To Protect Wildlife From ORVs on Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A North Carolina newspaper has, figuratively, tossed some gasoline on the simmering dispute over the National Park Service's failure to produce an off-road vehicle management plan for Cape Hatteras National Seashore. In an editorial the Raleigh News and Observer says the Park Service is deferring to ORVers to the detriment of wildlife.

Groups Ask Congressmen To Help Halt Killing of Yellowstone National Park Bison

As the killing of Yellowstone National Park bison continues, a coalition of groups is looking for congressional support to fund a solution.

Bear-Proof Food Canisters Mandatory for Most Backcountry Travel in Grand Teton National Park

Beginning this Saturday, if you're planning a backcountry trek into Grand Teton National Park you more than likely will be required to store your food in a bear-proof plastic canister.

Would a Change in Gun Laws Be a Threat to National Park Bears?

Would a change in the national park system's gun laws pose a threat to wildlife? In Alaska, there are some concerns that brown bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve might appear too threatening to some gun owners.

Keeping Track of Grand Teton National Park's Bighorn Sheep

Tick off a list of Grand Teton National Park's wildlife and bison, elk, moose and bears come immediately to mind. Bighorn sheep? Not so quickly, but they're there.

Bush Administration Plan to Remove Wolf Protections Draws Criticism

If a wolf turns up in Rocky Mountain National Park, it will be protected by the Endangered Species Act. But plans by the Bush administration to remove ESA protection from Yellowstone's wolves could make it incredibly hard for the predators to migrate down to Colorado.

Wolf Advocates Plan to Sue Rocky Mountain Park Officials Over Elk Plan

A wolf advocacy group says it plans to sue Rocky Mountain National Park officials over their elk reduction plan. WildEarth Guardians says returning wolves to the park is the best way to control its elk population.

Bison Slaughter In Yellowstone National Park Draws Protest Against Park Service

This Saturday, in West Yellowstone, Montana, members of the Buffalo Field Campaign rallied outside of Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance to call attention to and protest the ongoing hazing and killing of Yellowstone bison by the National Park Service and Montana's Department of Livestock.

Send A Bison Valentine To Your Sweetie And Help Yellowstone's Herds

I've got to hand it to the Buffalo Field Campaign, the group that doesn't believe shooting bison is a smart way to manage Yellowstone National Park's bison herds. The folks there are always thinking of innovative ways to raise money for their efforts.