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.
Idaho Fish and Game advises against intervening with seemingly abandoned baby wildlife, as mothers typically leave their young temporarily to feed or rest. Well-intentioned rescues often cause harm, and raising wild animals is illegal in Idaho without proper permits and expertise.
Big Snap Daddy, an iconic common snapping turtle at Schramm Education Center's aquarium, died April 20 at approximately 96-100 years old. The world's largest common snapping turtle, weighing 102 pounds, had been on display since the early 1990s after being caught in the Missouri River near Peru.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has 15 desert tortoises available for adoption. DWR Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra emphasizes that captive tortoises cannot be released to the wild due to disease concerns, particularly upper respiratory tract disease. Interested adopters must submit an application, design appropriate environments, and live outside Washington County.
Arkansas black bears are emerging from dens this spring to find new territories. Spencer Daniels, AGFC Bear Program coordinator, advises securing trash cans, removing wildlife feeders, and cleaning grills to prevent nuisance encounters. Making noise and maintaining distance typically encourages bears to move on.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a free bear safety workshop on April 20 in Bozeman, offering hands-on practice with inert bear spray, lectures on bear biology, and displays including grizzly and black bear mounts. Participants can practice using bear spray in a simulated charging bear demonstration, weather permitting.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides guidance on preventing bear conflicts as black bears emerge from hibernation. DWR Game Mammals Coordinator Chad Wilson emphasizes securing food, maintaining clean campsites, and never feeding bears to prevent dangerous situations and unnecessary euthanization.
Oklahoma's Youth Spring Turkey Season opens April 11-12, with the regular season running April 16-May 16. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Oklahoma State University are completing a $2 million research effort on wild turkey populations, while field reports from ODWC biologists indicate increased turkey numbers across most regions despite drought conditions in western areas.