The Wyoming Untamed Minute 🌲 22-28 May 2025
Half-million zebra mussels stopped at border, grizzly relocation near Cody, wolf denning in Colorado + summer rodeo season kicks off
Welcome to the 11th edition of the Untamed Minute—your roundup of outdoor adventures, wildlife, nature, and local happenings.
If we’ve missed anything, please get in touch.
News
Breaking updates from our outdoor community.
🚤 A vigilant Casper resident helped Wyoming dodge a major ecological bullet when they flagged a potentially contaminated boat lift headed for Alcova Reservoir. - Andrew Rossi, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ WGFD intercepted over 500,000 invasive zebra mussels on the lift, which had been used in South Dakota's Lewis and Clark Recreation Area.
⮑ The team used scalding water, scraping, and sun exposure to fully decontaminate the equipment—ensuring not a single mussel made it through.
⮑ Wyoming remains one of the few states without an established zebra mussel population, and we want to keep it that way.
⮑ Photos: Wyoming Game and Fish Department
🐻 An adult male grizzly bear with no prior livestock record was safely captured and moved to the Glade Creek drainage south of Yellowstone after preying on cattle on private land near Cody in May. - Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ WGFD worked alongside U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as grizzlies remain federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.
⮑ Cattle depredation is the most common conflict in northwest Wyoming, but relocation helps avoid lethal measures when possible.
🐺 In a sign of growing packs, up to four pairs of wolves may be denning across Colorado this spring, hinting at a promising population boom since reintroduction began in late 2023. - Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ This follows 2020's Proposition 114, which directed CPW to bring gray wolves back to Colorado's wildlands.
⮑ Range riders are being placed near suspected dens to help protect livestock and ease community tensions.
🐻 The potential delisting of grizzly bears in the Lower 48 may hinge on Senate confirmation of Brian Nesvik as the new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. - Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ Nesvik, former head of Wyoming Game and Fish, is seen as key to advancing this long-debated effort.
⮑ Senate vote expected within two to three weeks, according to former FWS Assistant Secretary Rob Wallace.
⮑ If confirmed, Nesvik's leadership could unlock the path to removing grizzlies from the Endangered Species Act.
🏫 The Little Snake River Valley School District unveiled its new Livestock Center in May, enhancing agricultural education with hands-on learning experiences. - Renée Jean, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ Students now incubate eggs, vaccinate goats, and dissect meat cuts to understand animal anatomy.
⮑ Miller emphasizes experiential learning: "Very rarely do I sit here and use a screen to teach... Instead, I bring in hands-on lessons."
⮑ The center aims to prepare students for careers in agriculture and veterinary science.
⮑ Photos: Renée Jean via Cowboy State daily.
🐻 On May 19 in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, a mother grizzly bear fiercely defended her cub from a wolf attack near Soda Butte Creek. The grizzly led her cub across a footbridge—rare behavior for mother bears with newborns. - Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ The wolf, identified as a member of Mollie's Pack, attempted to snatch the cub but was thwarted by the mother's aggressive response.
⮑ All animals emerged unharmed from this dramatic wildlife encounter.
⮑ Mother bears typically avoid footbridge crossings with cubs, making this protective behavior especially remarkable.
🦌 After witnessing the tragic winter of 2022-2023 where tens of thousands of antelope, deer, and elk perished, Thomas Chant took action. He replaced 24 miles of outdated sheep fencing with wildlife-friendly alternatives. - Mark Heinz, Cowboy State Daily.
⮑ The new fences open 10,000 acres of habitat to migrating animals.
⮑ Features include smooth bottom wires for antelope and lower top wires for deer and elk.
⮑ A powerful example of how local landowners can protect wildlife while maintaining working lands.
🦉 In a historic first, Teton Raptor Center researchers successfully tagged a female barred owl near her nest in Grand Teton National Park this May. - Katie Klingsporn, WyoFile.
⮑ She's fitted with a GPS tracker as part of a study monitoring the species' expansion into the Rocky Mountains.
⮑ Barred owls, originally from the eastern U.S., have a track record of outcompeting native raptors like great gray owls.
⮑ Photos: Bryan Bedrosian and Thomas Stanton.
❄️ Wyoming's Travel, Recreation, Wildlife, and Cultural Resources Committee chose not to prioritize legislation banning "predator whacking"—chasing and striking wildlife with snowmobiles. - Mike Koshmrl, WyoFile.
⮑ Despite two nominations for interim study, the topic wasn't selected among 24 issues under review.
⮑ Rep. Mike Schmid's House Bill 331 proposed banning vehicle-assisted wildlife killings on public land.
🐻 Starting May 24 through October 15, bear biologists will conduct capture and monitoring operations targeting black bears in Grand Teton and grizzly bears across the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. - Leigh Reagan Smith, Buckrail.
⮑ Trap sites will be clearly marked with bright warning signs and area closures.
⮑ Sites positioned away from roads, trails, and campsites to minimize public disturbance.
⮑ Data will help guide management and conservation efforts for bear populations.
🤠 Buffalo kicked off rodeo season on May 17 with the thrilling Lee Martinez Xtreme Bulls event at Johnson County Fairgrounds!
⮑ Summer lineup includes Range War Rodeo series, Johnson County Cowgirls, and Chris LeDoux Days.
⮑ Don't miss the Johnson County Fair & Rodeo—plenty of excitement ahead for fans and visitors!
⮑ Photos: Visit Buffalo WY
🏞️ The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is proposing updates to the landowner license program, which allows qualifying landowners to hunt on their property in exchange for providing wildlife habitat.
⮑ Changes include increasing minimum acreage to 160 cultivated or 640 total acres.
⮑ Expanding family definition to include step-relatives for blended families.
⮑ Public meetings ongoing through June, online comments accepted until June 10.
🦌 Jackson's annual Elk Fest highlighted the 58th Boy Scout Elk Antler Auction on May 17, selling 6,045 pounds of elk antlers and generating $109,131.75. - Nick Sulzer, Buckrail.
⮑ 25% supports local Scouting programs, 75% benefits the National Elk Refuge.
⮑ Totals were lower than 2024's $200,000+, but the event remains a key community fundraiser.
⮑ Photos: Nick Sulzer via Buckrail
The Migration Minute
What's on the move across Wyoming this week?
🦅 The National Elk Refuge invites you to meet North America's largest shorebird! You might spot these striking birds near the Jackson National Fish Hatchery or along Refuge Road.
⮑ Keep an ear out for their distinctive warning calls—a sharp whistle that rises on the second note.
⮑ The Refuge shared a video showing one strolling through the grass, giving us a rare close-up look.
Trail Intel
Conditions and closures you need to know.
🗺️ Wyoming Startup Casper-based Infinite Outdoors launched its "Access Granted" initiative in May, unlocking 40,000 acres of previously landlocked public land in Wyoming and Colorado. - Hanna Merzbach, Wyoming Public Radio.
⮑ These public parcels are now accessible for free via corridors created with private landowners.
⮑ Recreationists can sign up through the Infinite Outdoors app for hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping.
⮑ Wyoming has over 4 million acres of landlocked public land—this initiative is a big win for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wyoming Snapshots
Your best captures from across the state.
⮑ Photo: Chris Aquila
Want to be featured? Send us your photos!
Lens On The Wild
Photo contests, tips & submissions.
📹 Steve Mattheis shared a peaceful moment from the forest in his latest wildlife photography vlog, In The Woods With A Great Gray Owl.
⮑ The video captures the quiet beauty of spending time near one of nature's most elusive birds.
📸 2025 Photography Contest open now! Discover Carbon County invites you to capture the stunning beauty that makes our region special - whether it's landscapes, wildlife, or local history.
⮑ Submit your best shots by September 2 for a chance to win $150 for first place and see your photos featured in official promotional materials!
Expert Insights
Tips from those who know the land best.
🏔️ Spanning 2.2 million acres, Yellowstone offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife and explore half of the world's active geysers.
⮑ The park is sharing top 10 safety tips to protect visitors and the landscape.
⮑ Visit www.nps.gov/yell for helpful advice to ensure your trip respects this amazing place in our backyard.
Active Outdoor Events
Your weekly excuse to get outside.
🌿 The Wyoming Outdoor Council is gearing up for the very first WYlder Festival coming up in just a few weeks!
⮑ Events include bird-watching and brews to panels and parties—something for everyone.
⮑ Still time to register! Follow the link in their bio for details.
🎵 Wyoming State Parks, with the Wyoming Arts Council and Office of Outdoor Recreation, is launching the inaugural Tunes on the Trail summer concert series!
⮑ Kicks off June 20 at Keyhole State Park with Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo.
⮑ Each event features a scenic hike at 6:30 p.m., followed by live music from 7:00-8:30 p.m.
⮑ Series continues at Curt Gowdy, Medicine Lodge, and Elk Mountain through September.
🤠 Visit Casper is bringing wild fun to town with the mechanical bull at Western Fest on June 15 at David Street Station!
⮑ Think you've got what it takes to ride like a pro? Now's your chance!
⮑ Tag @visitcasper and use #WesternFestCasper2025 for a chance to win a prize.
⮑ Whether you're hanging on tight or taking a tumble, it's sure to be a blast!
🦅 Sheridan Community Land Trust invites everyone to Unplug & Take Flight at Big Goose Natural Area on May 22.
⮑ 5-6 p.m. exploration of local bird species with educational guidance.
⮑ Perfect chance to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature.
⮑ Families and nature lovers of all ages welcome—visit their website to sign up!
⮑ Photos: Sheridan Community Land Trust
Wyoming Moments
Your best outdoor and wildlife experiences on film.
⮑ Video: Real Wild
Safety Alerts
Safety updates you need to know.
🚗 Memorial Day weekend signals the start of busy season at Grand Teton, and wildlife sightings can cause traffic slowdowns.
⮑ Never park in front of animals crossing the road, always follow Wildlife Brigade staff directions.
⮑ Be prepared for crowds and stay alert—situations can change quickly.
⮑ The Wildlife Brigade's goal is ensuring a safe, respectful experience for people and wildlife alike.
Missed yesterday's Wyoming Minute? 👀 Catch up and read it here!
The Wyoming Minute ⏰ Wednesday 21 May 2025
🌤️ Good morning, Wyoming! Here’s today's Wyoming Minute, packed with the latest from our windswept plains to rugged peaks.
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