Wyoming Wildlife Advocates

PRESENTATIONS BY DR. DAVID MATTSON AND GRIZZLY CONSERVATIONIST DOUG PEACOCK BE THE FIRST TO SEE OUR NEW SHORT FILM: "REDEFINING RECOVERY"

I know much of our activism has moved online -- and there are lots of exciting webinars and online events these days. But if you care about wildlife, this is the one to pay attention to. We have gathered some of the foremost grizzly experts to answer your questions about bears for a special event!  Join Wyoming Wildlife Advocates and the Sierra Club for a special grizzly webinar on Thursday May 28, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m Mountain Time See the debut of WWA's new short film "Redefining Recovery" followed by an interactive online discussion with Wildlife Biologist, Dr. David Mattson. This is a great opportunity to get your questions about grizzlies answered by someone who has spent a lifetime studying them! RSVP here During this event we will have:  - An introduction from Doug Peacock - author, conservationist, and local legend - Debut of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates' short film "Redefining Recovery" - Discussion and Q & A with Wildlife Biologist, Dr. David Mattson We hope you join us for this unique opportunity to be part of the conversation about recovering the grizzly population in the lower 48. This is an important time to have this discussion. There are management decisions being made right now that will impact the long term health of the grizzly population. We will share how you can get involved and have a positive impact even while we are socially distanced. This webinar is free but you must register in advance. Hope to see you there, Kristin Combs Executive Director

RSVP FOR WEBINAR - CLICK HERE

WILDLIFE GUIDES SENT TO OVER 250 STUDENTS ON THE WIND RIVER RESERVATION Each year, the Bridger-Teton National Forest hosts the Blackrock Field Camp for 4th and 5th grade students from the Wind River Reservation. The pandemic canceled the field camp that was scheduled for this May but educational kits were still sent to all the students by Bridger-Teton and Friends of the B-T. Wyoming Wildlife Advocates provided over 250 of our wildlife guides to the students to help educate them about local wildlife they may encounter and conservation challenges of each species. WWA is as sponsor for the 2021 field camp and is looking forward to teaching the students more about our native wildlife!

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE MOVES CLOSER TO YELLOWSTONE A male white-tailed deer has tested positive for CWD after showing signs of the disease earlier this spring. The mule deer was found north of Bozeman, Montana in Gallatin County which puts the disease in a new area and one step closer to Yellowstone. Montana has asked Wyoming to begin phasing out the feeding of elk and deer which has fallen on deaf ears. New research that shows deer can be infected by the inhalation of aerosol particles of CWD which was previously thought to be a more rare transmission path. Read More Here Montana Letter to Wyoming

WWA SIGNS ONTO LETTER SUPPORTING FUNDING FOR JOBS THAT PROMOTE WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE Similar to the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, over 200 organizations are calling upon Congress to consider creating green jobs as part of future economic stimulus packages. Restoring our natural resources including wildlife, waterways, public lands, parks, and wildlife refuges not only benefits the environment, but also has a host of benefits for people's mental and physical health. We are requesting the following projects to be funded to create jobs and provide for the American people as we recover from the pandemic. Prioritizing endangered species recovery Restoring public lands Restoring watersheds and coastal areas Safeguarding key wildlife corridors Addressing invasive species Promoting wildlife coexistence In addition to protecting our natural resources, all of these actions can help to prevent future pandemics. Decades of scientific studies have warned that—in addition to live wildlife markets—habitat destruction and biodiversity loss also create significant risk of zoonotic disease spillover into the human population. The projects and programs we have outlined above, which focus on changing our relationship with the natural world by restoring lost and degraded fish and wildlife habitat, promoting coexistence, and increasing biodiversity, are key steps toward protecting against future pandemics. Read the full letter here

CACHE CREEK TRAPPER SENTENCED TO 10 DAYS FOR VIOLATIONS A trapper who placed traps near one of the busiest trails for Jackson dog owners and other recreationists and then failed to check them or tag them with the proper identification will serve 10 days in jail and will have his trapping privileges revoked for 18 months. While this is less than the recommended fine, three years lost hunting privileges, and jail time, we are pleased that the Wyoming Game and Fish Department charged this individual with his crimes and that consequences will be forthcoming. Besides being cruel to wildlife, trapping is a danger to pets. There should be trap-free areas in the state where pet owners can enjoy time in nature.  More info here. Previous articles here and here

ALL WILDLIFE WATCHERS: TAKE THE #100YARDPLEDGE Our friends over at the Teton Photography Club and Friends of the Bridger-Teton have instituted a new campaign aimed at keeping both bears and people safe. If you are watching wildlife this Memorial Day weekend, please stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves and 25 yards away from other wildlife. Shoot to Care: It’s about the bears, not the shot! Join us in taking the #100yardpledge to #KeepBearsWild . You can participate by doing the following: • Download a sign at Friends of Bridger-Teton  • Take a selfie with the sign • COPY AND PASTE the post text and hashtags and post to social media! Be smart — give bears room to move and keep people safe. Check out this brochure on the Shoot to Care program and ethical wildlife viewing techniques. 

THE ULTIMATE GRIZZLY MATRIARCH - 399 -EMERGES WITH FOUR CUBS!

In a stunning display of her amazing ability and fertility, the most famous grizzly in the world, 399, has emerged from her den on May 18 with not, one, not two , not three, but a remarkable FOUR cubs! At 24 years of age, 399 is a testament to how important all female grizzlies are to their species recovery and the future of grizzlies in Wyoming. To read a fascinating article about what might become of all the "class of 2020" grizzly cubs born this year, check out this article from Bear Tracks. Photo by Sue Pounian Ernisse

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED OUR T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER! Shirts will be mailed on May 28, so keep an eye out in your mailbox for your shirt to arrive and show your pride for protecting grizzlies in Wyoming!

SUPPORT OUR BILLBOARD CAMPAIGN - NEW BILLBOARD GOES UP SOON

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THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS We all share a debt of gratitude to those who have served and are currently serving to protect our freedom. We remember all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our safety. This Memorial Day, consider a gift to a local VFW branch or the Give An Hour Organization to say thank you to our service members.

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Photos credits: Wind River Reservation Packages: Sarah Walker Friends of the B-T Jody Climer: Ryan Dorgan JHN&G Grizzly with Cubs: Tina Stearns Smith Photography 399 and Cubs: Sue Pounian Ernisse Red fox: Melissa Hoyer Photography Grizzly cub: Charles O. Jones