The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Tortoise Adoption Program has over 100 non-releasable Sonoran desert tortoises available for adoption following recent surrenders. These captive tortoises cannot be released into the wild due to potential disease transmission to wild populations already threatened by habitat loss and drought.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department's live nest camera captured a rare second clutch of barn owl eggs at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area in August 2026, an event occurring in only about 10% of barn owl nests. The successful breeding pair previously fledged five owlets earlier this year, with biologists attributing the second clutch to healthy habitat and abundant rodent resources.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department reports increased black bear activity across the state as bears enter hyperphagia, consuming up to 20,000 calories daily. Dan Thompson, large carnivore supervisor, advises securing attractants like garbage, fruit, and bird feeders to prevent human-bear conflicts. Residents can report unusual bear activity to Game and Fish at 1-877-943-3847.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department data shows sage-grouse lek attendance declined 13% in 2026, with an average of 27 male birds per active lek. Biologist Nyssa Whitford attributes the decrease to natural population cycles and habitat conditions, noting Wyoming's sage-grouse population cycles every 7-9 years.
Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley, died on August 9, 2026, at the Ojai Raptor Center after three weeks of intensive medical care. Despite efforts by veterinarians and specialists, including a blood transfusion from Spirit at the California Living Museum Zoo in Bakersfield, Jackie's condition deteriorated due to blood clots and kidney issues. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ojai Raptor Center mourned the loss of the eagle who inspired global conservation awareness.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is urging the public not to harm, harass, or capture the threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake following a bite incident at Proud Lake Recreation Area. Amy Bleisch, DNR endangered species biologist, emphasizes staying on trails to avoid the shy snakes and their habitats, noting no confirmed human deaths from bites in over 100 years.
Feral domestic rabbits at Tongue River Reservoir tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2), a highly contagious and often fatal virus. Three additional infected rabbits were confirmed at Rocky Mountain College in Billings. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advises proper carcass disposal and biosecurity measures for domestic rabbit owners.
Three feral rabbits on Rocky Mountain College's campus in Billings tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2). The highly contagious virus, first detected in Yellowstone County in 2021, has since spread to several additional counties. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks confirmed RHDV2 in all three carcasses sent to their Wildlife Health Lab in Bozeman.
Vermont's black bear population is estimated at 7,500 to 8,900 bears in 2025, exceeding the state's goal of 3,500 to 5,500 bears for the fifth consecutive year. The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife attributes the growth to sustained population increases and rising human-bear conflicts, urging residents to practice coexistence measures while the state considers expanding bear hunting seasons.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has issued an emergency closure for Silver Run Wildlife Management Area near Red Lodge due to grizzly bear activity. The food-conditioned bear has been involved in conflicts in the Red Lodge area for several years and poses a public safety threat.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has issued an emergency closure for Silver Run Wildlife Management Area near Red Lodge due to grizzly bear activity. FWP is actively trapping a food-conditioned conflict grizzly bear that has been involved in Red Lodge area conflicts for several years and poses a public safety threat.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges motorists to reduce speed as drought conditions drive big game animals to cluster along highways seeking food and water. Wildlife biologist Kylie Sinclair notes increased highway usage, while Wyoming Department of Transportation reports over 1,630 vehicle collisions with big game in 2025.
The U.S. Geological Survey and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks will conduct grizzly bear captures August 8-28 on the Custer Gallatin National Forest for research under the Endangered Species Act. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team will use baited culvert traps and foot snares, with warning signs marking all capture sites.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear conflict specialist Justine Vallieres urges Northwest Montana residents to secure attractants like garbage, bird feeders, and fruit trees as below-average huckleberry crops force bears to lower elevations. Early reporting of bear concerns allows FWP to respond quickly and provide guidance.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 7 will host a Bear Aware talk on August 3 in Miles City, covering bear populations, behavior, conflict prevention, and bear spray training. The free event features demonstrations and information on deterrents to help residents coexist safely with black bears in the region.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Elk Cam will go live August 1, offering livestreamed views of the state's elk rut across 220,000 acres. The stream, provided by HDOnTap and the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, runs until October 3 and features elk, deer, turkey, and other wildlife.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks specialists report a severe natural food failure year, causing bears to seek food around homes and communities. Bear conflict specialist Jamie Jonkel urges residents to secure attractants like garbage, bird feeders, and livestock with electric fencing to prevent conflicts.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department released a video showcasing researchers conducting den checks on black bears as part of a statewide study led by wildlife specialist Samuel Lisak. The research, continuing through 2030, tracks over two dozen radio-collared bears across Arizona's diverse habitats to gather survival data and inform population management decisions.
An adult male jogger was attacked by a bear on July 24 at Henrys Lake State Park's Aspen Loop Trail. The man sustained injuries but walked out safely with his uninjured dog. Idaho Fish and Game and Fremont County Deputies secured the scene; the park trail system is closed for one week pending safety assessment.
Duck brood numbers in North Dakota are up 55% from 2025, with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department forecasting a fall flight approximately 9% higher than last year. Timely rains improved brood-rearing habitat, and the redhead brood count reached its highest level in the survey's 62-year history.