FWP spring mule deer surveys indicate favorable fawn recruitment across Montana, with Brian Wakeling noting the population is trending upward. While northeastern and southeastern Montana show strong recruitment and population increases, north-central and south-central regions remain below long-term averages despite recent favorable conditions.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department, in consultation with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, captured and relocated an adult female grizzly bear on July 17 after cattle depredation in Sublette County. The bear was moved to Five Mile Creek drainage near Yellowstone National Park's east entrance.
Idaho Fish and Game, with assistance from the Cassia County Sheriff's Office, safely tranquilized and relocated a yearling bull moose found in a gated area behind a Burley business to suitable habitat in the Magic Valley Region's southern portion.
Idaho Fish and Game euthanized a food-conditioned black bear after it broke into a Swan Valley home in July, ransacking the kitchen and obtaining human food rewards on multiple occasions. Wildlife Manager Eric Freeman emphasized that human safety is the agency's priority and relocation was not an option for the bear that entered an occupied residence.
South Central Public Health District confirmed rabies in a bat on July 14 in Blaine County, south of Stanley, marking the first confirmed rabid bat in South Central Idaho this year. Officials urge residents to avoid handling bats and contact local public health districts if exposure occurs, as the rabies virus is fatal and spread through saliva.
Oklahoma State University Natural Resources Extension, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Mule Deer Foundation, and North American Pronghorn Foundation, will host a free field day on August 7, 2026, at Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center covering pronghorn and mule deer ecology, management, and research updates.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 7 will host a Bear Aware talk on August 3 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Miles City FWP headquarters. The free event will cover bear biology, conflict prevention, bear spray training, and agency response to help the public stay safe in bear country.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports a spike in bear conflicts in the Red Lodge area, with six black bears euthanized this year due to food conditioning. Wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart attributes the aggressive behavior to illegal intentional feeding and unsecured attractants. FWP warden Matt Heaton encourages reporting suspected illegal feeding at tipmont.mt.gov or 406-860-7806.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks will conduct grizzly bear capture operations in the Madison Range from July 20 through August 28. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team will use pre-baiting and scientific capture methods to monitor the Yellowstone Ecosystem population under the Endangered Species Act, with warning signs marking all active work areas.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife encourages public reports of wild turkey and ruffed grouse sightings through July and August via the Wildlife Reporting System at wildohio.gov or the HuntFish OH mobile app. Observations help biologists estimate population status and reproductive success, with 2025 turkey brood surveys showing 2.7 poults per hen compared to the long-term average of 2.8.
Michigan's DNR, partnering with Northern Michigan University, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, seeks trapper observations of gray foxes. Early research suggests gray foxes are rarer in Michigan than previously thought, and trappers' photos and location data are crucial for understanding current distribution.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department released five Mexican wolf pups from the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) project into the wild in June 2026, continuing a fostering program that has placed 148 captive pups since 2016. LightHawk volunteer aviators assisted with transport, and the effort supports genetic diversity management for this endangered subspecies.
Utah is home to 18 confirmed bat species, with the greatest diversity in southern Utah. According to Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Mammal Conservation Coordinator Kimberly Hersey, bats are protected wildlife that feed almost exclusively on insects. Homeowners can prevent conflicts by cooling attics, sealing openings in fall, and contacting permitted wildlife nuisance control companies during maternity season.
Michigan's approximately 12,400 black bears actively forage during summer months. Campers in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula should store food in bear-resistant containers, maintain clean camps, avoid feeding bears, and use loud vocalizations if encountering wildlife. BearWise and Michigan.gov/Wildlife offer additional coexistence resources.
Governor Mark Gordon is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to Wyoming's Executive Order 2019-3 Greater Sage Grouse Core Area Protection. Written comments will be accepted through July 30, as Wyoming continues its state-led sage-grouse conservation strategy.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission urges the public to report suspected screwworm or parasite cases in wildlife rather than attempting DIY treatments. State wildlife veterinarian Dr. Catherine Love explains that self-medicating wild animals can lead to ineffective dosing, parasite resistance, and legal violations, especially concerning the New World screwworm detected in south Texas.
Michigan's Upper Peninsula experienced its third severe winter in five years, with 111 days of at least 12 inches of snow, causing widespread starvation among white-tailed deer. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources uses SNODAS technology to monitor snow depth and inform deer management decisions, while biologists David Jentoft, Brian Roell, Caleb Eckloff, and Kristie Sitar document the impact on the herd.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, partnering with Northern Michigan University, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, is seeking public observations of gray foxes. Recent research suggests gray foxes may be rarer in Michigan than previously believed, and the DNR is asking residents to submit sightings and photographs through their Eyes in the Field reporting system.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Once-In-A-Lifetime Species Coordinator Rusty Robinson provides safety guidance for hikers encountering mountain goats in Utah's high-elevation terrain. Key recommendations include maintaining 150+ feet distance, keeping dogs leashed, and backing away slowly if approached by these aggressive wild animals.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department reports that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV-2) is spreading again across Arizona, causing significant population declines in native lagomorphs. AZGFD urges hunters to remove rabbit carcasses from the field and dispose of them properly to minimize virus transmission and help populations recover.