Mishaps and mayhem from around the region.
Wildlife
Posted inArticles
Fishers recolonize Washington, part of a Northwest rewilding
The forest carnivore’s return was helped by human intervention.
Posted inDecember 7, 2015: Good Neighbors
Ending the murrelet malaise
After decades of declines, Washington state finally has a plan to preserve the bird’s habitat.
Posted inArticles
Range riders track wolves in eastern Washington
Wolf-livestock conflicts have increased, and ranchers and environmentalists are gathering data to mitigate the clashes.
Posted inDecember 7, 2015: Good Neighbors
Latest: California’s plan for conservation-minded energy development takes its first step forward
The Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan is intended to guide energy development, while protecting wildlife and recreation.
Posted inArticles
Wyoming seeks compromise on wildlife migration corridors
Migration science has advanced, and the Game & Fish Commission is looking to reassess land use.
Posted inArticles
Raptors are our fierce allies. Shame on those who harm them.
Note: the opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of High Country News, its board or staff. If you’d like to share an opinion piece of your own, please write Betsy Marston at betsym@hcn.org. Birds of prey soar over the human imagination like no other creatures […]
Posted inArticles
Looking back on a century of poisoning predators
Note: the opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of High Country News, its board or staff. If you’d like to share an opinion piece of your own, please write Betsy Marston at betsym@hcn.org. We celebrate most anniversaries, but there are some we should just acknowledge by pausing […]
Posted inNovember 23, 2015: Water Hustle
Latest: Investigation proves wild horses were sent to slaughter
Management of the West’s wild horses have proved controversial for decades and spawned rumors of maltreatment.
Posted inNovember 23, 2015: Water Hustle
Latest: National Park Service intervenes in Alaska predator hunting
BACKSTORYIn Alaska, federal and state officials have long clashed over the management of wolves and bears in national parks and preserves. State law requires sustaining abundant caribou and moose populations for food security, a goal that often entails killing off predators, while the federal 1916 Organic Act mandates keeping healthy populations of all wildlife species. […]
Posted inNovember 23, 2015: Water Hustle
The view from the top of the food chain
Today I hiked along a forest trail near my home. Squirrels scolded, a raven croaked. I moved steadily on. Startled at my approach, a deer bounded away, labored up the loose soil of the steep little canyon, and disappeared. I barely paused. There was nothing there for me to fear, nothing for me to attend […]
Posted inNovember 23, 2015: Water Hustle
Why are Western attorneys general going rogue?
Attorneys general sue the federal government, despite state governors’ objections.
Posted inArticles
Ducks Unlimited fires writer over stream access fracas
An axed journalist accuses a billionaire of playing fowl with sportsmen’s rights.
Posted inArticles
Where’s the middle ground on wolves?
Note: the opinions expressed in this column are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of High Country News, its board or staff. If you’d like to share an opinion piece of your own, please write Betsy Marston at betsym@hcn.org. Eighty-one — that’s how many gray wolves were confirmed to be living in Oregon […]
Posted inArticles
Oregon delists wolves, but protections remain
As in Washington, reactions to the predator reflect deep east-west divides in the state.
Posted inArticles
How do you sex a beaver? Squeeze and sniff
Unlocking the secrets of rodent scent glands could help restore Western watersheds.
Posted inNovember 9, 2015: The Campaign Against Coal
The beaver whisperer
A biologist figures out how to keep beavers alive on Western landscapes.
Posted inArticles
Rants from the Hill: Fall brings a new bird to the neighborhood
A Northern Mockingbird stops by, its varied song a reminder of October’s restless nature.
Posted inArticles
BLM mulls energy development in sage grouse habitat
Feds may restrict hardrock mining and put oil and gas leases on auction block.
Posted inArticles
Alaska’s wolves and bears get new protections
New regulations help wildlife on federal lands. But they’re still no match for state predator control.