The North Dakota Game and Fish Department's 79th annual spring breeding duck survey showed an index of 2.4 million birds, down 9.5% from 2025. According to migratory game bird supervisor John Palarski, declining wetlands and loss of grassland habitat from CRP removals continue to impact duck production in the state.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a free bear aware educational talk on June 16 at 6 p.m. at the FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell. The presentation will cover bear biology, conflict prevention, and safe bear spray use.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Sun River Watershed Group, and Bighorn Outdoor Specialists will host a free bear safety workshop on June 24 in Great Falls. The event features training on bear spray use, safety practices, and a simulated charging bear demonstration with inert bear spray.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife's Small Mammals Biologist Alyssa Bennett explains that summer brings increased bat-human interactions when bats roost in homes and structures. She recommends sealing interior holes year-round, avoiding exterior sealing during summer when flightless babies are present, and contacting the Rabies Hotline at 800-4RABIES if direct contact occurs.
A black bear entered a tent at Beavertail Hill State Park campground near Missoula on Tuesday morning with campers inside, but no injuries occurred. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks responded and euthanized the habituated bear that was searching for food and attractants in the area.
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.