Wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved Utah's new Wildlife Action Plan on January 6, developed over three years with 35 conservation partners. The 10-year plan identifies 256 species of greatest conservation need and guides the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and partners like Utah Wildlife Federation and Utah Hogle Zoo in addressing threats to native species through 2035.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding the public about cold weather impacts on wildlife during winter storm Fern.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife counted 715 bald eagles during a midwinter citizen survey from January 7-21, receiving 391 separate reports. Ohio's bald eagle population has dramatically increased, with 964 active nests found in 2025 compared to 707 nests in 2020.

North Dakota Game and Fish Department's January midwinter waterfowl survey counted approximately 135,000 Canada geese and 9,500 mallards. Biologist Mason Ryckman noted that partial ice-free conditions on Lake Sakakawea allowed for 39,000-plus geese to be counted, though late November snow likely pushed some birds south before conditions improved.

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.