Are Animals Fleeing Yellowstone as ‘An Alert’ to a Volcanic Eruption?

Are animals fleeing Yellowstone as ‘An Alert’ to a volcanic eruption? That is a question being asked in an Epoch Times article that was published in light of the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the park on Saturday. The article, published on Sunday and currently linked to the Drudge Report, states that:

A number of bloggers are posting videos that show bison and other animals allegedly leaving Yellowstone National Park, prompting theories that as earthquakes ramp up the seismic activity will set off the Yellowstone supervolcano.

The article quotes one of the bloggers as saying, “But I’ll tell you this, whatever the case may be, that their running away from Yellowstone is an alert of some sort”, and uses this video as proof of their assertion:



The only problem with this theory is that it appears to be a normal annual event. In fact, just yesterday the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks published this news release on their website:

This is the time of year bison migrate out of Yellowstone National Park in greater numbers leaving the snow and higher elevation behind them to roam adjacent lands in Montana. Right now, bison are distributed throughout the Gardiner basin, and many are foraging within the Highway 89 corridor. For this reason, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is urging caution when traveling the southern portion of Highway 89. Drivers should pay particular attention south of Yankee Jim Canyon and reduce speed during nighttime hours.

In addition to bison, elk and deer are abundant within the Highway 89 corridor and frequently cross the highway. It’s important that drivers take this risk seriously, slow down, and obey posted signs.

For perhaps some more clarity on the matter, Yellowstone Public Affairs Chief, Al Nash, recently published this video in hopes of setting the record straight on a few rumors and stories circulating with regards to earthquakes and volcanoes in the park:





Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

FWP Seeks Information on Two Grizzly Bear Shootings

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is seeking information on two recent grizzly bear shootings in the areas just south and west of Glacier:

On May 16th Game Wardens investigated a dead grizzly bear in the Star Meadows area northwest of Kalispell, more specifically Sanko Creek. Initial investigation showed that the light colored bear died from a gunshot wound. Anyone with any information is urged to call 1-800-TIPMONT, or Game Warden Chris Crane 406-249-6231.

On May 4th during a monitoring flight, FWP Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley located a collared male grizzly bear that was dragging its hind quarters. Manley landed, and euthanized the bear, which was located near Wolf Creek Drive and Highway 83, near the Swan River.

Game Warden Chuck Bartos investigated, and a necropsy determined that the bear had been shot.

FWP is looking for any information regarding this incident. Anyone with information on this case should call Warden Chuck Bartos (406-253-2934), or 1-800-TIP-MONT.

Callers can remain anonymous and a reward may be available for both incidents.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Turkey hunter may have wounded a grizzly bear near Glacier

A turkey hunter encountered a grizzly bear adult and two grizzly yearlings in the area of the Creston National Fish Hatchery east of Kalispell this morning. The hunter was walking along, and spotted a deer carcass. He heard something and looked up to see a grizzly charging him at close range. The hunter fired his shotgun at the grizzly from about 10 yards away; he was uncertain whether or not his shot hit the grizzly.

The adult grizzly and what appeared to be two yearlings ran away to the east of the fish hatchery area.

The hunter notified Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks; Wardens Chuck Bartos and Nathan Reiner, and Tim Manley, Grizzly Bear Management Specialist, responded to investigate the incident. They could find no blood at the scene although they did located grizzly bear tracks in skiffs of snow that quickly melted. In the interest of public safety, FWP observed the area from a helicopter but no sign of the bears could be found.

Cameras were installed near the deer carcass to monitor the area in case the bears return.

Warden Captain Lee Anderson asks the public to notify FWP if any sign of the bears is found.

Please call: Tim Manley, Grizzly Bear Management Specialist,406-250-1265, with any information on the bears.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Former Wolf Advisory Council To Meet With Gov. Bullock, FWP

Former members of Montana’s Wolf Management Advisory Council will gather in Helena, April 12, to review and discuss the wolf management plan they helped to create.

The disbanded 12-member citizens' council last met about five years ago to discuss specific hunting and trapping recommendations in anticipation of the wolf's official recovery in the northern Rocky Mountains.

"A lot has transpired since the council last met in 2007," said Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks Director Jeff Hagener. "Governor Steve Bullock and I have invited the members to gather in Helena for a one-day meeting to review the status of the wolf in Montana today and to discuss the effectiveness of the management plan."

The April 12th meeting, set to begin at 8:30 a.m., will be held at FWP Headquarters in Helena, 1420 E. Sixth Ave. The meeting will be video streamed live via the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov.

The meeting agenda includes introductory remarks from Gov. Bullock, Hagener and Chase Hibbard, the former chairman of the council. The core of the agenda includes an update on existing federal requirements; a review of the legal procedures that led to delisting in 2011; and reviews and updates on the wolf population's status, research activities, hunting and trapping seasons, livestock depredation, recent wolf-related legislation, and wolf-program funding. The agenda also includes opportunities for public comment at 2 p.m.

The delisting of wolves in 2011 allows Montana to manage wolves in a manner similar to how bears, mountain lions and other wildlife species are managed, which is guided by state management plans, administrative rules, and laws.

Montana wildlife officials recently estimated that at least 625 wolves, in 147 verified packs, and 37 breeding pairs inhabited the state at the end of 2012. To learn more about Montana’s wolf population, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov.

The wolf advisory council was created in 2000 to advise FWP on the development of a wolf conservation and management plan. Montana's plan was approved by federal officials in 2004.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to individuals with special needs. To request arrangements call FWP at 406-444-3186.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

New Wolf Laws in Montana Take Effect Immediately

A wolf management bill that won swift and overwhelming bipartisan support in the Montana Legislature was signed into law today by the state's new governor.

Gov. Steve Bullock said the law, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Flynn, will allow hunters to purchase up to three wolf licenses and lowers the price of a nonresident wolf license from $350 to $50. The measure will also fortify state wildlife officials' science-based efforts to manage Montana's recovered and growing wolf population, the Governor said.

"This legislation leaves management of the gray wolf where it belongs, in the hands of scientists, not politicians," Gov. Bullock said.

The legislation was amended by lawmakers to allow hunting and trapping of wolves near national parks and allows wildlife officials to close such areas after established wolf harvest quotas are met.

In signing the legislation, Gov. Bullock asked Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) to ramp up education programs aimed at averting the harvest of collared wolves near national parks.

Gov. Bullock also directed his staff to determine the best way to reengage the wolf advisory council. The council was originally formed to lead the state's productive wolf conservation and management plan discussions more than 12 years ago.

The new law also allows for wolf hunters to use their license after 24-hours of purchase, instead of a five-day wait; authorizes the use of electronic calls; and removes the requirement for wolf hunters to wear hunter-orange clothing after the general deer and elk hunting seasons have ended.

The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies — an area generally comprised of wolf populations in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming — remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. The recovery goal for wolves in the three states was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs — successfully reproducing wolf packs — and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. By 2002 the recovery goal was reached and the wolf population has increased every year since.

Today, at least 1,774 wolves in 287 packs and about 109 breeding pairs, live in the region. The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs. New official population estimates are expected in March.

Montana's wolf hunting and trapping seasons are open through Feb. 28. So far, hunters have taken 115 wolves and trappers have reported taking 84 wolves. For more information, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov, and then click "Montana Wolf Hunt".


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

FWP Won't Challenge Yellowstone-area Wolf Ruling

State wildlife officials canceled a January 29 conference call to reconsider a recent court-challenged decision to close the wolf hunting and trapping seasons in two areas north of Yellowstone National Park.

The areas were closed by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission on Dec. 10, in response to concern about the harvest of wolves with collars that supply scientific information to YNP researchers. The seasons, however, were reopened by the district court in Livingston in response to a lawsuit brought by several sporting groups and a state representative from Park County.

FWP officials said today that the best course of action is to fully follow the judge's Jan. 18 order that prohibits FWP from enforcing the wolf hunting and trapping closure.

"The judge clearly stated that FWP would have to return to the court to apply for an order to dissolve the injunction and have proof that requisite public notice was given. We have simply run out of time,” said Ron Aasheim, FWP’s spokesman in Helena.

Aasheim noted that wolf hunting and trapping season is set to end in 34 days, on Feb. 28, and that obtaining a hearing and court action prior to the end of the wolf hunting season would be unlikely.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier National Park

Grizzly Bear Incidents Investigated in Northwest Montana

Earlier in the week the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks announced that they are investigating several grizzly bear incidents in Northwest Montana.

According to FWP Warden Captain Lee Anderson, the remains of a female grizzly bear were found last week near Brosten Lane east of Kalispell. Anderson said that he is looking for any information the public may have about this bear.

In the second case, an individual shot and killed a male grizzly bear in his chicken coop outside his residence Sunday evening near Ferndale.

In the third incident, an individual shot and killed a female grizzly bear that was next to a chicken coop on his property last week just north of Columbia Falls.

All of these cases are under active investigation by FWP and U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials.

Finally, a bird hunter shot at a female grizzly bear in what was described as a surprise encounter near Bigfork. The hunter was unharmed and reported the incident immediately to FWP. The sow grizzly had a cub, and both were later found alive by officials. The female grizzly did not appear to have life-threatening injuries.


Jeff
Hikes in Glacier National Park

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to offer Bear Aware Seminars

The ever important topic of bear awareness and safety among hikers, campers and others who enjoy the outdoors will be featured at a free presentation in Helena, Wednesday, July 16 at Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave., next to Spring Meadow Lake State Park off Highway 12 West.

Participants will learn about the current status of Montana’s grizzly bear population and how to hike in bear country, recognize bear signs and bear behavior, avoid and respond to bear encounters, create a safe campsite, and properly use bear spray. The 90-minute program begins at 6 p.m. For more information and to RSVP call 406-444-9944.

Also, the Missouri Headwaters State Park will hold a “Montana Bear Awareness” presentation at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 21st. For more information on this event, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com

Spare the life of a Young Wild Animal

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks is asking everyone to leave young wild animals alone.

Every spring FWP biologists, wardens and other field personnel begin to hear stories of how an "abandoned" newborn wild animal was "rescued." Unfortunately, in most cases this means the rescuer separated the young animal from a nearby parent.

"If you care, leave them there," is FWP's annual advice this time of year. The hope is to spare newborn wildlife the sad fate of being separated from the only parent capable of teaching it to live free in the wild.

Please do not photograph, move or attempt to feed newborn wildlife. Always keep dogs on leash when recreating outdoors this time of year and be aware of ground nests.

To protect Montana's deer and elk from the impending threat of Chronic Wasting Disease, FWP is unable to accept, hold, or rehabilitate deer and elk. Should someone bring a deer fawn to FWP, it must be returned to the site where it was found, or euthanized.

Other wildlife species, such as birds and small mammals, are also best left in the wild. Usually, young animals picked up by humans can’t be rehabilitated, and they are often abandoned by adult animals once humans have become involved.

Numerous incidents have shown that a newborn wild animal's best chance at survival and a quality life occurs if you care enough to leave them where they are.


Jeff
Hiking in Glacier.com