Thursday, July 31, 2025

Crews suppressing wildland fire in Yellowstone National Park

On the afternoon of July 30, Yellowstone helitack crews on an aerial reconnaissance mission detected the Ash Fire in the Bechler area located in the southwest corner of Yellowstone National Park.

Immediate suppression efforts were taken. The fire is currently estimated to be over 10 acres in size.

Approximately 25 personnel are currently assigned to the fire. Resources include U.S. Forest Service smokejumpers, park helicopter with crew, Yellowstone’s Fire Module, Type 3 helicopter, and a heavy helicopter.

Closures to trail and backcountry campsites in the area are in effect. Check for locations and updates at backcountry conditions.

The Ash Fire was most likely ignited by lightning. The park has received over 350 lightning strikes in the last 24 hours. This is a developing situation and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Yellowstone firefighters have responded to multiple wildfires throughout the park since the beginning of July. In recent weeks, over 500 lightning strikes from thunderstorms have resulted in six wildfires in the park’s backcountry. Firefighters have worked diligently to suppress all wildland fires upon detection.



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Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Manhunt underway for man who murdered two hikers in Arkansas State Park

A couple who was killed at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday, July 26, 2025, was hiking with their two daughters when they were attacked. The girls, who are 7 and 9, were not injured and are safe with family members.

The victims have been identified as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, who recently moved to Prairie Grove from another state.

At about 2:40 p.m., Arkansas State Police (ASP) was notified of a double homicide at the park, located in Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Brink were found dead on a walking trail. ASP’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) is handing the suspected homicide.

Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect. They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage.The area of the park where the incident occurred remains cordoned off and secured by law enforcement. The park is located in a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service.

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, ASP issued an updated description of the suspect. After receiving additional information, investigators now believe he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with sleeves rolled up, rather than a tank top as originally reported. The suspect is an unknown white male with a medium build. He was wearing dark pants, a dark ballcap and sunglasses. The suspect had a black backpack and was wearing fingerless gloves. He was seen driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan.

The suspect’s vehicle may be a Mazda with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape. It may have been traveling on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the park.

Anyone with images of the suspect, information about the suspect or his whereabouts should contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663. Investigators urge anyone with photos or video to not post footage on social media, as this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation. State police just released these images of the suspect. More info here.




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Juvenile sustains thermal burns in Yellowstone National Park

On Monday morning, July 28, a 17-year-old male suffered significant thermal burns to his foot and ankle area in the vicinity of Lone Star Geyser near Old Faithful.

The juvenile was on a hike in the thermal area when his foot broke through the thin crust and he suffered burns to a lower extremity. Emergency medical staff responded and transported the patient to a hospital for further treatment. This incident is under investigation and there is no additional information to share.

Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs. Always walk on boardwalks and designated trails. Keep children close and do not let them run on boardwalks.



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Sunday, July 27, 2025

Signal Flat Fire reaches full containment

Teton Interagency Fire crews continued suppression efforts Sunday on the Signal Flat Fire, which remains estimated at 7.8 acres and is now 100% contained. The lightning-caused fire was first reported Saturday, July 26, and is burning in mixed conifer forest near Signal Mountain in Grand Teton National Park.

Local crews were assisted again today by a 20-person USDA Forest Service Type 2 crew from Helena, Montana. The additional firefighters were recently released from another incident and reassigned here to aid with area fuels reduction work. They quickly pivoted to initial attack yesterday to assist with fire suppression, adding to the success in limiting fire spread.

Today’s efforts focused on securing and improving fire lines dug by firefighters yesterday. From there, crews worked into the interior of the fire to address any areas holding heat and to look for spotting potential. With gusty winds in the area, firefighters diligently watched for burning embers that could be transported from the main fire to unburned areas.

A helicopter flew hoses and portable pumps to the site this morning, allowing firefighters to draft and use water from a nearby pond to cool remaining hot spots. By early afternoon, hoses were placed around the fire's full perimeter. Aerial resources were also used to drop water as needed to address spotting detected yesterday.

Signal Mountain Road remains closed to public use due to fire vehicle traffic on the steep and winding road.

With hot and dry weather forecast for the next few days, fire officials remind all public land users be cautious with any possible source of ignition. Campfires need to be drowned and stirred repeatedly until cool to the touch before campers leave fires unattended overnight or depart from the site.



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Saturday, July 26, 2025

Signal Flats Fire forward progress stopped

Teton Interagency Fire crews at Grand Teton National Park successfully stopped forward progress of the Signal Flats Fire, which started on the afternoon of Saturday, July 26. The estimated size of the fire is just under 8 acres. Signal Mountain Road will remain closed until further notice.

Aerial support from two helicopters played a key role in slowing the fire’s growth by dropping water from nearby Jackson Lake. Firefighters on the ground held the fire by digging fire lines around the perimeter.

Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire overnight. On Sunday, crews will focus on securing and improving existing fire lines and beginning initial mop-up efforts, using water pumped from a nearby pond to cool remaining hot spots.

A USDA Forest Service Type 2 Initial Attack crew from Helena, Montana, is assisting Grand Teton National Park with suppression efforts.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

An additional update will be provided Sunday, July 27.



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FWP releases Bear Relocation Dashboard

In an effort to provide more insight to bear management and to keep local landowners and communities aware when black bears or grizzly bears are relocated, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released a new online Bear Relocation Dashboard this week.

This new dashboard displays general relocations on an interactive map. FWP relocates bears for a variety of reasons and the interactive features allow users to click to see information about the relocation including the species of bear, general reason and the date of latest relocation.

For years, FWP has posted relocation information on its website. This will continue, and the Bear Relocation Dashboard will simply be another resource for the public.

This is FWP’s third dashboard related to bear management. Along with the Bear Relocation Dashboard, FWP developed the Grizzly Bear Mortality Dashboard last year and the Grizzly Bear Conflict Dashboard earlier this summer.

Not only do these new dashboards help keep the public informed, they provide insight into the reason that bear conflict occurs and tools that FWP uses to help landowners and communities reduce conflicts.

The Relocation Dashboard provides general locations for areas where FWP staff have relocated bears. Details of each location can be found by clicking on “Table” at the top of the dashboard.

Grizzly bears remain federally protected in the Lower 48 under the Endangered Species Act. This protection remains despite populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) growing well past recovery goals. Montana, Idaho and Wyoming petitioned the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to delist grizzly bears.

FWP is required by law to inform the county and tribal government within 24 hours of which the grizzly bear or black bear is to be relocated. Grizzly bears can only be relocated by FWP to sites approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Under state law, grizzly bears that cause conflicts outside of designated recovery zones cannot be relocated by FWP staff. The dashboard only reflects bears relocated by FWP.

For more information on grizzly and black bear conflict prevention and management, FWP has many web-based resources for communities, landowners and recreationists.



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Thursday, July 24, 2025

Yellowstone announces lottery for 2025-2026 Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program

Beginning Friday, Aug. 1, people may apply to the 2025-2026 winter lottery for permits to snowmobile in Yellowstone National Park without a commercial guide. Authorized in 2013, the Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program allows permit holders to enter the park for up to three days with a group of up to five snowmobilers.

This year’s lottery will be open Aug. 1-31 on recreation.gov. Successful applicants will be notified in early September. Unclaimed or canceled permits will be made available via recreation.gov on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Oct.1. There is no waiting list. Cancellations may occur throughout the winter season, so check the website often for openings. Trips can be for a maximum of three days in length, and permits cost $40 per day with a $6 application fee.

Permit holders are considered non-commercial guides and must be at least 18 years old on the first day of their trip. All snowmobile operators must possess a state-issued driver’s license and successfully complete the free online Yellowstone Snowmobile Education Certification program. Anyone can take the course to learn about park rules that help visitors safely enjoy the unique experience of winter in Yellowstone while also protecting park resources. All snowmobiles must meet the park’s New Best Available Technology standard.

To learn more about planning a winter trip to Yellowstone, visit Explore in Winter.



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Thursday, July 17, 2025

Habituated and food-conditioned black bear killed in Yellowstone National Park

At approximately 5 p.m. July 11, Yellowstone National Park staff lethally removed an adult female black bear following a series of concerning incidents at a backcountry campsite located in the Blacktail Deer Creek drainage in the northern part of the park.

On June 7, the bear crushed an unoccupied tent at the campsite. A few weeks later, on July 11, the bear climbed the site’s food storage pole, tore down properly stored food bags, and consumed the campers' food. Although it is uncommon for bears in Yellowstone to obtain human food, when it does occur, bears can quickly become food-conditioned and may act aggressively or dangerously around humans, putting both people and wildlife at risk. The bear’s escalating behavior – including property damage and obtaining a significant food reward – posed a clear threat to visitor safety and warranted removal.

The decision to kill the bear was based on:

* Ongoing concern for human safety

* Property damage to camping equipment

* The bear learning to defeat the park’s backcountry food storage poles to obtain human food

"We go to great lengths to protect bears and prevent them from gaining access to human food in all areas of the park,” said Kerry Gunther, Yellowstone bear management biologist. "But occasionally, a bear outsmarts us or overcomes our defenses. When that happens, we sometimes have to make the difficult decision to remove the bear from the population to protect people and property."

In accordance with Yellowstone’s bear management practices, each of the park’s 293 backcountry campsites is equipped with either a food storage pole or a bear-resistant storage box. Park guidelines require backcountry campers to hang food from the pole or secure it in the box at all times except when cooking or eating. Yellowstone reminds all visitors that utilizing these bear safety measures remain crucial in ensuring public safety and preventing wildlife from developing dangerous habits.

The last black bear killed in a management action in Yellowstone was in July 2020, when a black bear injured campers and accessed human food at a backcountry campsite in the park.



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Sunday, July 13, 2025

Historic Grand Canyon Lodge lost in wildfire

The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park exhibited extreme and volatile fire behavior the evening of July 12, resulting in a 500-acre expansion. Fire managers have confirmed the loss of the Grand Canyon Lodge and numerous historic cabins in the developed area.

On July 12, at approximately 10:30 p.m., fire activity intensified rapidly, fueled by sustained winds of 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 40 mph. Firefighters made significant efforts overnight to slow the fire’s progression under dangerous and fast-changing conditions.

Aerial bucket drops were conducted to slow fire movement near the Grand Canyon Lodge and Transept Canyon. However, the use of aerial retardant was not feasible due to a chlorine gas leak at the water treatment facility, which required the evacuation of firefighting personnel from critical zones nearby.

Preliminary assessments indicate that between 50 to 80 structures have been lost, including NPS administrative buildings and visitor facilities. No injuries or loss of life have been reported, and all staff and residents were successfully evacuated prior to the fire’s escalation.
The fire is being managed with an aggressive full suppression strategy. Fire behavior is still very active, driven by hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and continued strong wind gusts. On July 13, fire managers began ordering retardant drops on the east side of the developed area, including the Roaring Springs drainage, as suppression efforts continue.

With continued active fire behavior and ongoing risks to personnel and infrastructure, the North Rim will remain closed to all visitor access for the remainder of the 2025 season.

Additionally, all inner canyon corridor trails, campgrounds, and associated areas are closed until further notice, including:

* North Kaibab Trail

* South Kaibab Trail

* Phantom Ranch

* Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens

The primary objectives of current fire operations remain:

* Protecting the lives and safety of firefighting personnel and the public,

* Preserving the remaining structures on the North Rim, and

* Safeguarding cultural and natural resources within Grand Canyon National Park.

For the latest fire information and updates, visit the Dragon Bravo Fire InciWeb page.



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Friday, July 11, 2025

Fall on Mount Gould climbing route results in fatality

A climbing accident resulted in a fatality when a 42-year-old man, Brian Astle of Provo, UT fell while descending a steep, off-trail climbing route from the west face of Mount Gould.

At approximately 5:54 pm on Wednesday, July 9, Glacier National Park Dispatch received a report of an individual who had fallen from Mount Gould above the Highline Trail. Park rangers worked with ALERT and Two Bear Air to locate Astle. To safely recover the body, recovery was postponed until Thursday morning.

On Thursday, July 10, at approximately 10 am, Two Bear Air recovered and transported Astle to the Apgar Horse Corral, who was then transferred to the Flathead County Coroner. An investigation is ongoing, and there is no additional information available at this time.

Mount Gould stands at 9,557 feet, making it the highest point along the Garden Wall in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park officials would like to thank ALERT, Two Bear Air, and Flathead County Sherriff’s Office for their support. The park extends their deepest condolences to the family and asks the public to respect the family’s privacy.



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Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Glacier staff and park visitors rescue three people after falling into Avalanche Creek

Three visitors fell into Avalanche Creek on Sunday. Shortly after 7 p.m. park dispatch received multiple satellite SOS reports stating that individuals had fallen into Avalanche Creek, and that CPR was being performed on two of the individuals.

A group of four visitors from Florida were gathering for a photo on the rocks above Avalanche Gorge, when one individual slipped and fell into the water, a second and third person trying to help also fell in. Two of the individuals were swept through the gorge while one was able to grab ahold of tree branches in the gorge, waiting for help.

Rangers responded to find both individuals responsive, as bystanders performing CPR were successful in resuscitating the two individuals that had been swept through the gorge. The first ranger on scene was informed of an individual that was trapped in the gorge. The ranger was able to rappel to the individual and secure them while the technical rescue team was assembled and retrieved both the individual and the ranger.

All patients were transported to Logan Health in Kalispell. One patient was transported by ALERT, the second patient by Three Rivers Ambulance, and the third patient by Whitefish Ambulance. All members involved are in stable condition.

The park thanks the park visitors for their heroic efforts that saved two lives, Three Rivers Ambulance, ALERT and the Whitefish Fire Department.

The park reminds visitors that drowning is the number one cause of death in Glacier National Park. Visitors are reminded to watch their surroundings near water. Swift, cold glacial streams and rivers, slick rocks or slippery logs all present dangers. Never walk, play, or climb on slippery rocks and logs, especially around waterfalls.

Here's a short video clip from KRTV News of the man who grabbed hold of a tree branch:





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Monday, July 7, 2025

FWP releases 2024 wolf report; population relatively stable despite increase in harvest

The wolf population has remained relatively stable in the past few years with only slight declines in the statewide population estimates, according to the 2024 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks annual wolf report.

When looked at by FWP administrative region, wolf numbers are seeing a more definitive decline in Region 3, where wolf population estimates have gradually declined from 215 in 2020, to 173 in 2024. In western and northwest Montana, regions 2 and 1 respectively, populations are estimated to be nearly the same as last year.

“We are committed to following the law to reduce wolf numbers to a sustainable level, which means ensuring Montana has a healthy state managed population,” said Quentin Kujala, FWP Chief of Conservation Policy. “We continue to see declines in the estimated number of wolves and wolf packs in Region 3, which suggests the current combination of hunting, trapping, and conflict management removals can effectively reduce wolf numbers in some areas at least.” 

The estimated statewide wolf population for 2024 was 1,091, which is 12 fewer than the 2023 estimated population of 1,103 and still well above recovery thresholds. The number of wolf packs was 181, spread over 66,000 square kilometers. Total wolf harvest for the 2024-2025 wolf season was 297 wolves, the highest since 326 were harvested during the 2020 license year. During the 2023-2024 season, 286 wolves were taken.

USDA Wildlife Services confirmed the loss of 35 cattle, 16 sheep, three foals, and eight livestock guard dogs. This total was lower than the average number of livestock conflicts since delisting in 2011, except for the loss of guard dogs, which increased in 2024.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted limited trapping dates for the 2024/2025 wolf season in parts of western Montana. This was in response to a federal court ruling last summer that limited the scope of Montana’s wolf trapping season due to concerns about incidental take of grizzly bears, which are still federally protected. Wolf trapping was only allowed from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15 in regions 1-3 and portions of regions 4 and 5, according to the geographic area identified by federal district court. Trapping outside this geographic area opened the Monday after Thanksgiving and ran through March 15.

The Commission will review and make a final decision on the furbearer and wolf trapping and hunting seasons at its Aug. 21 meeting.

The annual wolf report can be found on FWP’s website on the wolf management page.



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Friday, July 4, 2025

USDA Forest Service Signs Historic Agreement to Reduce Wildfire Risk in Montana

This week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed a historic Shared Stewardship Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a new framework between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the State of Montana to advance forest restoration and reduce wildfire risk across the state.

Montana’s Shared Stewardship Agreement expands collaborative efforts to accelerate active forest management, safeguard communities, and support sustainable timber production.

“This agreement is exactly the kind of forward-leaning, state-driven leadership that President Trump and USDA have championed since day one,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “By cutting burdensome, unnecessary red tape and empowering Montana to lead, we’re proving that through real partnership, conservation and economic growth can go hand-in-hand. This partnership is just another example of our shared commitment to protect lives, livelihoods, and our forest resources — while creating opportunities for hardworking Americans.”

“Today marks continued progress for Montana’s forests and the communities that depend on them,” said Governor Gianforte. “Thanks to a renewed interest in collaborating with states from the Trump administration, this agreement will empower our state to take the lead in active forest management, reduce wildfire risk, support local jobs, and ensure our forests remain healthy for generations to come. We are proud to partner with Secretary Rollins and Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to deliver real results for Montana.”

The Forest Service and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will jointly identify and execute large-scale forest management projects, initially focusing on approximately 200,000 acres in northwest Montana. The Memorandum of Understanding leverages federal tools — including Good Neighbor Authority — to streamline implementation and reduce delays.

“This partnership between the Forest Service and Montana is a model for collaborative, landscape-scale forest management,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “By working together, we can better protect communities, support rural communities, and restore the health of our nation’s forests. This agreement is a win for Montana and a win for the country.”

The Shared Stewardship model emphasizes outcome-driven, cross-boundary strategies to address wildfire risk, insect and disease outbreaks, and other landscape-level challenges. Under the agreement, both agencies will commit staff to statewide coordination, set aggressive restoration and timber targets, and track results through a public-facing dashboard.



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Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Prepare for a busy Fourth of July week at Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is preparing for a busy Fourth of July holiday and urges visitors to plan ahead, check conditions, and recreate responsibly. With large crowds expected, visitors should anticipate full parking lots, busy trails, and delays throughout the park during the holiday week.

Before arriving, visitors are encouraged to check current weather forecasts, trail conditions, and river flow reports, as conditions can change rapidly. Summer storms, swift water, and high elevation all pose risks to unprepared visitors. Current wildfire danger in the park is high. Fireworks are always prohibited, and campfires are only allowed within fire rings in campground and at some, not all, backcountry campsites.

Visitors enjoying the park’s waters with a boat must stop for an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection. All watercraft entering Grand Teton National Park are required to stop. This includes motorized boats, rafts, drift boats, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.

Visitors are also reminded to follow wildlife safety guidance. Store all food, garbage, and scented items in bear-resistant containers or inside a hard-sided vehicle. Never leave attractants unattended. Always maintain at least 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yards from all other wildlife.

Several operational updates are in place:

* Jenny Lake Canoe Launch Closed: The designated canoe launch at Jenny Lake is temporarily closed for construction during 2025. Hand-carried boats can still access the lake from Rock Beach, about a 200-yard walk from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

* Leigh Lake Portage Trail Reroute: An alternate Leigh Lake portage route will be in place for about one month for reconstruction starting on July 7. Signs will mark the reroute and the bear box will be moved for easier access.

* Moose-Wilson Road Bike Bypass Pilot: Between July 1 and August 15, bicycles will be allowed on the levee access road near the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve under a pilot program that began last year to allow bypass of the hill section on the Moose Wilson Road. Cyclists should note that the narrow, winding Moose-Wilson Road is recommended for expert-level riders comfortable riding with vehicle traffic and steep grades. The Grand Teton Pathway is appropriate for all skill levels.

For more updates on park conditions, construction, closures, and safety alerts, visit: https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm



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