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Birding in the National Parks: Chasing The Snowy Owl

Jan 4th - 06:09am | Bob Janiskee

Great article, Kirby. How about sending a snowy or two down here to South Carolina?  It's 20 degrees in Columbia this morning, and that should suit 'em just fine.

Jan 3rd - 23:51pm | Kirby Adams

Thanks, Cliff. Lake Superior's shores have been quite productive for snowies, but of course that's true in non-irruptive years as well. I'm not sure where you are now, but the Michigan shore of Lake Huron and the Wisconsin shore of Lake Michigan have been pretty awesome. My local patch is the Huron shore near Alpena, MI.

Jan 3rd - 20:35pm | Cliff Miller

Kirby, What a wonderfully informative and well written article! Short and sweet, as they say. Having had the chance to see one of the snowy owls this winter, I consider myself lucky indeed. While I could probably get a glimpse of another one down here, I am planning to head back up to the shores of Lake Superior to look for more shortly!

Jan 3rd - 12:46pm | Lee Dalton

Kirby, thanks for the ineresting news about the owl on the causeway.  As for rare birds, we already have plenty of them.  Or odd birds, if you count folks like me.

Jan 3rd - 09:23am | Kirby Adams

Lee, after two seasons you wouldn't be able to see across Bryce Canyon because the owls would be so thick and Kurt would be writing articles about having to bring in sharpshooters to thin them out.

Jan 3rd - 07:50am | Lee Dalton

I know I'll probably take some flack for this, but here goes anyway.

Violent Deaths in the National Parks

Jan 3rd - 21:27pm | Anonymous

If parks are not safe for the rangers how can they possibly be safe for me? If nothing else, the tragic murders of so many rangers over the past 15 years proves that the park service is failing to provide me a safe place to take my family.

Jan 3rd - 17:33pm | Anonymous

Memorium for National Park Ranger--Law Enforcement Division Margaret Anderson.

By the Numbers: Stones River National Battlefield

Jan 3rd - 20:52pm | robert l moeller

Any information on soldier SHAW or John Moffitt is appreciated.  Thanks........RLMourheat

Slain Mount Rainier National Park Ranger 9th In Park Service History To Be Murdered In Line of Duty

Jan 3rd - 20:34pm | Leland22

Regarding "anonymous", I would hate to tell him/her that a law to keep guns out of the park would not have kept this individual from doing this senseless act and any thought to the contrary is not facing reality. He had already shot several individuals in Seattle, which my recollection tells me, is not in the Park. Thinking that a law would stop him after

Jan 3rd - 19:38pm | ecbuck

" If Park Rangers had observed those guns in Mr. Barnes' vehicle at the welcome kiosk, this new law would have prevented them from taking those guns from Mr. Barnes." Anon - Do you have any evidence that Park Rangers saw the guns and let him pass because of the new laws?  Of course not, so your total argument is bogus.

Jan 3rd - 17:55pm | Anonymous

People say that Mr. Barnes was deranged and heavily armed. That the 2010 law allowing loaded guns in national parks does not and did not affect his murder of Ranger Anderson. I disagree. Where did Mr. Barnes on the lam decide was the best, most easily accessible place to get back into the back country. Mt. Ranier National Park.

Jan 3rd - 14:35pm | Lelandg

My thoughts and prayers are with the Anderson family. As my daughter is currently attempting to get a job with the Parks Service after college graduation, it is a stark reminder of the role that the rangers in the Park Service have. A senseless act of a mentally deranged individual. This is also a reminder of the Park Service family who have given their all for our National Parks.

Jan 2nd - 19:29pm | Anonymous

While Ken Patrick was indeed murdered by folks out looking for a deer to poach (or so they said), it is notable to mention that these poachers just happened to be members of the Black Panther "party." Changes the dynamics slightly. I believe his murderer still seeks parole based on the fact that he is a political prisoner. Sigh.

Thanks To All Our Readers

Jan 3rd - 18:31pm | Mike Painter

Happy New Year to all of you at NPT!

Hiker Injured by Grizzly Bear at Glacier National Park

Jan 3rd - 16:08pm | Griz40

What is it with people "carrying bear spray" but "not being able to deploy it before the bear attacked?" My guess is that he had it stuffed in the bottom of his pack. There is a lesson here. If you carry bear spray in your pack, instead of in a holster on your belt, you may as well not have it in the first place. Bear attacks can happen suddenly and with little or no warning.

It Takes A Group Effort To Keep You On Top Of the Latest In the National Park System

Jan 3rd - 14:27pm | Lelandg

Thanks to everyone for a job well done. I appreciate the information provided. Keep up the good works.

Summit On Future Of National Parks Coming To Washington Later This Month

Jan 3rd - 13:18pm | Craig Rowe

Free Coke and Dasani for everyone. 

Jan 3rd - 13:17pm | Reality Check

I trust you won't be seduced by the likes of such a politico as John Podesta (not likely:).  I think it's great the Traveler will be represented and possibly representing the "little people" that do the heavy lifting.   By little people I mean America's Park's visitors and those NPS Employees, below the SES.  

Jan 3rd - 12:08pm | Dick G.

Great!! Don't forget to ask about the heated toilet seats for Yellowstone!!LOL

Jan 3rd - 11:34am | Kurt Repanshek

Thanks for the thought, Dick. Traveler will be there in force;-)

Jan 3rd - 11:28am | Dick G.

Kurt-- I hope they invited you to the conference to represent all us "little people". If not maybe we can get you an invite??

Pruning the Parks: The $100 Million National Visitor Center Fiasco

Jan 3rd - 13:15pm | Anonymous

Frank C, I was visiting there in October and after a long day of walking the museums, all I could think of was a cold brew from Cap City.  Had my wife convinced of the same thing.  To my disappointment, the place was closed down and looked pretty gutted.  We ended up eating at Union Station.   

Updated: Suspect In Mount Rainier National Park Shooting Found Dead

Jan 3rd - 13:12pm | Vicki

this is just so sad and tragic. my heart goes out to her family, friends, and all of the park staff. 

Jan 3rd - 13:08pm | Robert

I am very saddened any time one of our Rangers, Police, Military, etc. are killed in the line of duty.  I do think that Ranger Anderson may have saved many lives with her action and it is sad that she had to pay for that with her life.

Jan 3rd - 08:50am | Dennis Pohl, NP...

As disbelief turns into reality, it is quite possible that Ranger Margaret Anderson's action saved countless lives. My gratitude and thoughts go to Ranger Margaret Anderson, her family, all the men and women of the National Park Service Law Enforcement staff who make our National Parks safe for our use and enjoyment.

Jan 3rd - 08:44am | anonymous

Like these great wild places words can't express the feelings I have for this tragedy.  In the effort to derive sense and perhaps blame one might consider the scenario if the Perp had blown by Ranger Anderson as he had the check station earlier and reached the visitor center with more innocents present.

Jan 3rd - 08:41am | ecbuck

"Even more obscene is the fact that there are people out there who claim it's his "right." So you think the constitution is "obscene" And I ask again for Bruce (it didn't get posted the first time" - what is your remedy to get "less guns"?

Jan 3rd - 07:34am | Jon Anglin

My thoughts and prays go out to Ranger Andersons family and all the staff at Mt. Rainier National Park.  This really is a senseless and tragic loss for the NPS Family.

Jan 3rd - 00:00am | Anonymous

Obviously if guns were still outlawed in national Parks this guy would have still brought all the guns he had in the car anyway.  Do you really think that saying you can't bvring guns into the parks would keep him from doing so?

Jan 2nd - 22:29pm | y_p_w

elias: Guns do not kill. Criminals do. If we outlaw guns, criminals will be the only ones armed. If a criminal knows that we will face weapon, he/she will look for the little sheep...     Maybe I'm being a little bit argumentative, but did you hear what happened when he shot four people before heading off to Mt. Rainier?

Jan 2nd - 21:51pm | Lee Dalton

Jan 2nd - 18:09pm | Bruce

If ONLY there were less GUNS to begin with!  This debate would be moot and perhaps Ranger Anderson would still be alive.  God rest her in peace.

Jan 2nd - 17:10pm | Anonymous

Bad people will bring guns in parks regardless of the law! 

Jan 2nd - 16:46pm | Anonymous

If he didn't stop for a tire chain check, why would he stop for a gun check?

Jan 2nd - 16:35pm | tahoma

I spoke briefly to Margaret the morning before her senseless slaying and will always remember her smiling face as she went about her busy rounds making the road safer for the holiday pilgrims. Here is her memorial page: http://www.odmp.org/officer/21076-park-ranger-margaret-anderson

Jan 2nd - 15:49pm | Chris Mellor

Having visited national parks on our visits to the USA I have great respect for the fine work the rangers do and this is very sad. We had a serious shooting massacre in a tourist park a number of years ago. This lead to a firearms ban throughout the nation. Something the USA may like to consider. It's working for us in the sense it stops the mentally ill from getting their hands on a weapon.

Jan 2nd - 15:37pm | elias

Guns do not kill. Criminals do. If we outlaw guns, criminals will be the only ones armed.  If a criminal knows that we will face weapon, he/she will look for the little sheep...

Jan 2nd - 15:19pm | Anonymous

You are right on.

Jan 2nd - 15:17pm | Anonymous

I don't think the law allowing visitors to bring guns in the parks is the problem.  Gun related violence/killings/suicides have happened in national parks long before the law to allow visitors to bring guns into parks was passed (obviously, people were bringing them in even though it was illegal).

Jan 2nd - 15:10pm | Laurie-Ann Curry

Honey, that law did not allow this situation to happen.  Anyone who has already killed someone with a gun and has a car full of weaponry, ammo, and survival gear; or who would start a fire fight with leo's would not be detered by a little ole law which says he cannot bring a gun into a National Park.

Jan 2nd - 14:16pm | Sarah

My husband and I visit and camp regularly at many National Parks. The rangers are true public servants and heroes. This is an incredibly tragic event and our thoughts are with her husband and children. Thank you to all the rangers for all you do every day to keep everyone safe.

Jan 2nd - 14:05pm | Anonymous

This proves that visitors should not be allowed to bring guns in the parks. Those who passed the law that allows guns in National Parks should feel some responsiblity for Ranger Anderson. May GOD help her family during this difficult time.

Jan 2nd - 11:39am | Another one

The irony -- it looks like she attempted to stop him out of concern for HIS safety. 

Jan 2nd - 11:25am | Linda

I am very saddened to hear about the death of Ranger Anderson, we have enjoyed parks around the USA and all the kindness and help offered by the Park Ranger's was always amazing. Prayers to the family of Ranger Anderson and all Ranger's that are out everyday doing their jobs so that we, the public, can come enjoy the beautiful park's God has given to us to use.

Boulder Blocking West Entrance Road Keeps Yellowstone National Park Crews Busy

Jan 3rd - 11:13am | Dick G.

Yea-- I'd leave it on the side of the road also-- pretty neat!

High Water Table, Wetlands Causing Flooding At Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Jan 3rd - 08:14am | Anonymous

This is not an ORV issue, pedistrains would have to walk through that water. We don't have an ORV and did not want to walk through the water. So we had to drive nearly 10 miles to find another beach access.  It seems that NPS spends less on maintenance and more on control and enforcement. The NPS certainly has its priorities screwed up.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park: A Jewel Along The Blue Ridge Parkway

Jan 2nd - 21:52pm | Kathy Harding

Hello -

NPS Retirees Oppose Carrying Guns in National Parks

Jan 2nd - 11:16am | Jeff Campbell

I agree with your statement 100%, I have carried a Firearm for almost 40 years and have never used it in a crime, but I have used it to save a Woman from being Raped, an LEO that made an arrest on an individual by himself that was overpowered and subdued because the criminal was bigger and armed with a Kitchen Knife.

Jan 2nd - 11:06am | Jeff Campbell

Do the Park rangers own the National Parks ?, would banning guns from National parks stop criminals from bringing Guns into the Parks ?, Should Park Rangers be allowed to carry firearms ?. You need to ask yourself these questions before you jump on the Ban Firearms band wagon.

The Essential RVing Guide

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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You'll also find stories about RVing in the parks, some tips if you've just recently turned into an RVer, and some planning suggestions. A bonus that wasn't in the previous eBook or PDF versions of this guide are feeds of Traveler content: you'll find our latest stories as well as our most recent podcasts just a click away.

So whether you have an iPhone or an Android, download this app and start exploring the campgrounds in the National Park System where you can park your rig.