The region survived a year of deep cuts and layoffs. Here’s who is picking up the pieces.
Bears
Posted inMarch 2026: The Uncertainty of Farming in the Colorado River Basin
As a caribou herd crashed, wildlife managers turned to killing predators
The controversial culling program reveals the messy politics behind reviving a struggling Alaska herd.
Posted inJanuary 2026: Deep Time in the West
“Legend-dairy” mountain peaks, visiting bears and remembering a blubbery blowout
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inOctober 2025: Limits to Growth
The ‘bear’ necessities of good sign design
Researchers study the principles that promote bear-safety behavior.
Posted inArticles
The Trump administration’s repeal of the roadless rule could threaten wildlife
A 2001 policy restricts road construction on Forest Service land. What happens to at-risk species if it’s removed?
Posted inMarch 2025: The Berry Pickers
Wild, wild turkeys, Tiptoe the Tortoise & one beary nice B&B
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inJanuary 2025: The West's Most Wanted
Felonious furries, bunches of bats, a coyote commune and pumpkin paddlers
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inArticles
Roads and wildlife don’t mix
Grizzly 399’s death sparks a broader conversation on how to live with wildlife.
Posted inOctober 2024: Latino Vote
Dancing goats, fallen arches, runaway reptiles and a ‘Renaissance Faire Bear’
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inArticles
Project 2025’s extreme vision for the West
The demolition of public lands, water and wildlife protections are part of conservatives’ plan for a second Trump term.
Posted inArticles
Repeal of the Chevron doctrine will have profound consequences for federal rulemaking
Climate, public lands and tribal law regulations are now likely to face legal challenges.
Posted inJanuary 11, 2024: The Creatures in Our Midst
A bear hunt illuminates the complexities of a marriage
Will the gift of a significant harvest be individual or shared?
Posted inArticles
The culling of Alaska’s bears and wolves
As the state’s wildlife numbers decline, predators are getting the blame. The true threat is much more complex.
Posted inArticles
How grizzly bear poachers are getting away with it
Investigation finds that Department of Justice rarely prosecutes grizzly bear killers under the Endangered Species Act.
Posted inOctober 2, 2023: The Dark Side of the Sheepherding Industry
Backscratching bears, seismic singers and happy birthday to Herman the Sturgeon
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inArticles
In the Northern Rockies, grizzly bears are on the move
As grizzlies recover, they’re no longer content to roam within the boundaries contrived for them.
Posted inMay 1, 2023: Reemergence
Good drones, coyote living and a cow-chip lottery
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inJanuary 1, 2023: Ripple Effects
Toad lickers, bear wrestlers and beard fanciers
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inOctober 1, 2022: Making Refuge
Not-murder hornets, sentient chatbots and an AirBearNBear
Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Posted inArticles
Hungry bears are getting desperate in Montana
A poor berry crop is driving black bears into Missoula. A hot summer might be to blame.