By December, most of our bears have begun to hibernate. In Montana, many grizzly bears will select a den site on a steeper slope at higher elevations. Bears seem to prefer to dig dens below the roots of a tree.
Nine months after two cougar kittens were documented in the Upper Peninsula, a new trail camera photo indicates the elusive animals are still alive and living with their mother. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources verified the Dec. 6 photo of an adult cougar being followed by two kittens down a snowy trail in central Ontonagon County.
Avian influenza is suspected to have caused the deaths of hundreds of snow geese found at a Northampton County quarry. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is coordinating a response to this incident that includes safe removal, testing and disposal of these birds.
Winter is already tough for deer, elk, and other big game animals, and being near busy roads and highways can be deadly, so Idaho drivers are asked to keep a sharp eye out and avoid costly and potentially dangerous collisions.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has had several cases of well-meaning people picking up geese that have landed in parking lots or yards and taking them in. It’s done out of concern for the animal, but almost always does more harm than good.
Over the next several weeks wildlife biologists from Idaho Fish and Game’s Magic Valley Region will be flying mule deer herd composition surveys and capture operations across many of the region’s game management units.
Beginning in early December, Idaho Fish and Game staff will take to the air to get a closer look at deer numbers, including several low-level helicopter surveys planned in the Salmon and Challis areas. The purpose is to gather abundance and herd composition information that helps game managers understand population numbers and trends.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists and experienced houndsmen will be conducting field work this winter south of Libby throughout the Cabinet Mountains to help estimate the number and density of mountain lions in the area. The work is part of a statewide research strategy to monitor and manage Montana’s lion populations.
Arizona’s bald eagles will soon be preparing to raise the next generation of the large birds of prey at breeding sites statewide.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is monitoring sick and dead birds across the state in response to increasing reports from the public.
As winter approaches, Michigan’s black bears will be hunting for a suitable den. If you’re not careful, that den may end up being the cozy hideaway beneath your deck or that pile of brush out back.
One of our native wildlife species historically played an important role on Thanksgiving Day. North America’s native wild turkeys were the ancestors of the Thanksgiving turkey on our dinner table.
On Nov. 4, Fish and Game responded to reports of a black bear sow and three cubs that had been frequenting a Teton County, Idaho neighborhood for over a month. Due to their food conditioning and habituation, the decision was made to euthanize these bears in the interest of public safety.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department wants to remind the public that recovering road-killed wildlife requires authorization. People need approval from Game and Fish prior to collection through the Wyoming 511 app. Authorization for the collection can be done through the app, even without cellular service.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that Florida’s black bears are more active in the fall as they search for food before winter. Following BearWise® practices such as securing garbage and removing food attractants can help prevent conflicts with bears, as well as with other wildlife.
Utah’s growing population and related urban expansion have increased the number of wildlife encounters across the state in recent years. If you do happen to see wildlife in your neighborhood or yard, you should always keep your distance for your own safety and for the safety of the animal.
Earlier this month, an Idaho Fish & Game wildlife technician in the Southwest Region headed out to do a cause-of-death investigation for a GPS-collared mule deer buck in the Owyhees. When she arrived at the location provided by the collar, she encountered the adult mountain lion pictured in this video, along with two juveniles, near the deer carcass.
November is the perfect time for wildlife watchers and photographers to see mule deer since they are migrating during breeding season and also moving to lower elevations in search of feed. You’ll have a great opportunity to see them during an upcoming event.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department biologists survey oak and beech stands around the state each fall to assess how plentiful acorns and beechnuts are because they are important fall foods for wildlife.
One of the world’s most productive copper mines is also one of Arizona’s most reliable sources of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. In a win-win for Arizona’s sheep populations and the community of Morenci, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) wildlife managers routinely move sheep from dangerous locations amid mining operations and local traffic to areas where they can have a positive impact.