The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources provides guidance on safely encountering rattlesnakes this spring and summer. Native Herpetology Coordinator Alyssa Hoekstra emphasizes maintaining a safe distance and understanding rattlesnake behavior to prevent conflicts while recreating outdoors.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department urges residents to remove birdfeeders and secure food sources as black bears emerge from winter dens earlier due to shorter winters and a growing population. Bear biologist Jaclyn Comeau emphasizes that preventive measures like bear-resistant containers and electric fences are essential for coexistence, as bears now associate human food with sustenance across multiple generations.
As Michigan's estimated 12,450 black bears emerge from winter dens this spring, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges residents to remove bird feeders, secure trash, and avoid human-food sources. Jared Duquette, the DNR's human-wildlife interactions specialist, emphasizes responsible coexistence practices to prevent conflicts with these powerful animals.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, in partnership with the National Wildlife Research Center and Colorado State University, conducted helicopter-assisted captures in February to monitor elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. The efforts included fitting 32 bighorn sheep, 58 mule deer, and 28 elk with tracking collars to study movement, disease prevalence, and population dynamics across the state.
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources urges pet owners to keep dogs leashed during spring hikes and outdoor activities to prevent chasing vulnerable wildlife. Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Supervisor Kelly Orr emphasize that off-leash dogs can harm weakened deer and other animals while risking injury to pets themselves.
Van Riper State Park in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula served as the base camp for the state's moose research project. From February 14-17, researchers captured 41 moose and recollared two others, bringing the total deployed collars to 56. The biological samples and collar data will help researchers understand moose survival and population growth factors in the region.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department hosted public workshops to discuss Feedground Management Action Plans for the Jackson and Pinedale elk herd units. FMAPs are adaptive living documents designed to optimize feedground management, with topics including predator management, disease mitigation, and feeding methods. Updated versions will be shared later this year.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the Town of Pawlet will dedicate a Wildlife Restoration Marker on April 18 commemorating the 1969 turkey stocking in Pawlet that launched Vermont's successful wild turkey restoration program, now supporting over 45,000 turkeys statewide.
Arizona Game and Fish amended Article 4 (Live Wildlife) rules are now effective, included in the February 2026 Laws and Rules Book. Key changes include clarifications on restricted aquatic wildlife, desert tortoise possession limits of one per person and four per household, Wildlife Service License requirements, and cervid record-keeping mandates for five years.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources' Hardware Wildlife Education Center in Hyrum offers a free beaver exhibit from March 6-22, featuring information about North America's largest rodent, family-friendly activities, and views of beaver-altered Curtis Creek. Director Marni Lee highlights how beaver dams create beneficial wetland habitats for various wildlife species.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission continues monitoring avian influenza in wild birds as migration season approaches. The agency urges the public to report sick or dead birds by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD, and removed approximately 2,000 bird carcasses from a Northampton County quarry in December and January. Hunters and bird enthusiasts should follow biosecurity precautions including wearing gloves and masks when handling birds.
The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Northern Michigan University, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources successfully captured 41 moose and recollared two others in the western Upper Peninsula from Feb. 14-17, bringing the total deployed collars to 56 to study moose survival and population growth factors.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is urging Mighty Earth and mountain lion advocates to slow their reintroduction campaign, citing insufficient research on habitat impacts, public safety, and regional coordination needed before responsibly proceeding with bringing mountain lions back to Vermont.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in wild birds around the Great Salt Lake and several Utah counties since October. DWR Veterinarian Ginger Stout reported 49 wild bird carcasses tested positive, with eared grebes and California gulls most impacted. Since 2022, the virus has affected 242 wild birds and other animals across 19 Utah counties.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Crow Tribe Fish & Game captured 99 elk on the Crow Reservation in late January, with all blood samples testing negative for brucellosis. Thirty elk were fitted with GPS collars to track seasonal ranges and migration routes, supporting collaborative disease surveillance efforts with the Department of Livestock.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists are conducting aerial surveys of mule deer and planning winter elk surveys across southwestern Montana, with ongoing research captures of elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and wolves. These essential monitoring efforts use fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to collect population health data and inform wildlife management decisions.
Black-tailed prairie dogs are ecosystem engineers that create habitat and shelter for other species while serving as prey for endangered black-footed ferrets. Amanda Hall, a nongame wildlife biologist with FWP, notes they are integral to environmental processes and essential for potential ferret reintroduction. FWP is partnering with landowners on conservation contracts in southeast Montana to preserve prairie dog habitat.
Montana's wildlife employ diverse survival strategies during winter, including migration, hibernation, brumation, torpor, color changes, and food storage. Animals like bears, bats, frogs, and birds utilize biological adaptations such as antifreeze-like compounds, thickened fur coats, and metabolic slowdowns to endure cold temperatures and snow.
Late January through early March marks coyote mating season. Prevent conflicts by supervising pets on leashes, removing human-associated food sources like garbage and pet food, and aggressively hazing coyotes using noise, visual intimidation, and physical pursuit to deter them from yards and neighborhoods.
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists conducted late January aerial waterfowl surveys across the state, estimating 337,479 mallards and 694,286 total ducks in the Delta before winter storms arrived. Drought conditions throughout the season resulted in significantly lower duck populations compared to 2025 estimates and long-term averages, with Brett Leach noting 99 percent of the state experienced moderate to exceptional drought.