Using specialized hounds trained to identify mountain lion droppings, biologists with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have determined the Pine Ridge area of the state has a current population of 19 cougars. The DNA results indicated 13 mountain lions--eight males and five females--make up the resident breeding population in Pine Ridge. Two reproducing females were identified. Lincoln Journal-Star.
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July 2011
July 31, 2011
July 29, 2011
Official: Investigation unrelated to polar bear paper
The recent suspension and subsequent investigation of Alaska wildlife biologist Charles Monnett is unrelated both to an article that he wrote about allegedly drowned Arctic polar bears or his scientific work, according to an email from the director of the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Enforcement and Regulation obtained Friday by the Associated Press.
Did shooting spark Utah fires? Depends who you ask
Fire investigator Jason Curry of the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands tells the Deserert News that eight wildfires in the past three weeks were triggered by recreational shooting, but Clark Aposhian, chairman of the Utah Shooting Sports Council begs to differ. "I have easily fired millions of rounds, and I have yet to start a fire," said Aposhian.
Expanded Idaho wolf season finalized
During its regular meeting Thursday in Salmon, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission gave final approval to this year's wolf hunt, with the season beginning Aug. 30 and running through March 31, 2012, except in two zones. Trapping season will run from Nov. 15 through the end of hunting season; and there will be no quota limit on wolves taken except in a few zones along the Montana border. Twin Falls Times-News.
Massive muskie was too short to keep
The 48½-in. long, 28½-in. girth tiger muskie caught by Charlie Gallagher July 16 on the St. Louis River near Duluth, MN would likely be the new state record—surpassing the current 34-pound, 12-ounce mark—except for one thing: the minimum keeper length for the St. Louis is 50 inches. Though the fish was released, the length-to-weight formula put its weight at 49 pounds. Sam Cook in the Duluth News-Tribune.
Wis. DNR: Recognizing 2 wolf species problematic
Wisconsin Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp and others attending a recent meeting to discuss the potential de-listing of the gray wolf in the upper Midwest agree that the Fish and Wildlife Service's recognition of two distinct wolf species—the gray and eastern—would hamstring Wisconsin’s efforts to manage the growing population. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
July 28, 2011
Ruger Q2 earnings up, stock hits 52-week high
Fueled by yesterday's report showing second quarter net sales of $79.6 million and earnings of 57c per share, compared with net sales of $64.4 million and earnings of 43c per share in 2010, Sturm, Ruger & Co. stock soared to a 52-week high in trading today, leading Wall Street's gainers. Business Watch.
Falling rock knocks out Glacier NP motorcycle rider
Glacier National Park officials in Montana report that a motorcycle passenger was briefly knocked unconscious after being struck by a 10- to 15-pound falling rock on the Going-to-the-Sun Road yesterday. The unidentified female, who was wearing a helmet, was treated and released from a Kalispell hospital. Daily Inter-Lake.
Coyote attacks prompt SoCal city to revisit gun ordinance
Following several recent attacks and pet killings by coyotes in the gated Orange County retirement community of Laguna Woods Village, the Laguna Woods City Council is planning a special meeting today to consider reversing its current law banning the discharge of firearms inside the city limits. Orange County Register.
Global warming scientist suspended for 'integrity issues'
Today's Anchorage Daily News reports that Charles Monnett, a scientist with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), whose 2004 published observation of presumably drowned polar bears in the Arctic helped galvanize the global warming movement, is being investigated for scientific misconduct, possibly linked to the veracity of his research.
Cabela's Q2 profits up, shares jump
Shares of Cabela's (CAB.N) rose as much as 6 percent in early trading today after the mega outdoor gear retailer reported a second-quarter net income of $22.3 million, or 32 cents a share, compared with $19.4 million or 28 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue rose 8 percent to $562.1 million. Reuters.
Archer remorseful for errant arrow that struck woman, 80
An archer whose misfired arrow traveled more than 100 yards before breaking a window and puncturing the cheek of an 80-year-old great-grandmother is facing a pair of felony charges: second-degree assault and armed criminal action. "I can't explain how bad I feel," said Robert "Ben" Joiner, 26, who was practicing with his bow in his St. John, MO backyard when his shot went awry. "I thank the Lord she wasn't more injured than she was." St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
July 27, 2011
You're getting sleepy: Squirrels made to hibernate at will
Scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have successfully induced hibernation in actic ground squirrels, a finding they say could have promise for human survival. The study, published in the July 26 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience, concludes that understanding the neuroprotective qualities of hibernating animals may lead to development of a drug or therapy to save people's lives after a stroke or heart attack. Science Daily.
Idaho angler catches new state record rainbow
The 34.74-pound rainbow trout caught by Pocatello angler Mark Adams at Idaho's American River Reservoir Monday demolishes the current state record of 14.72 pounds and may be the largest rainbow caught in the lower 48 states. The standing world record of 48 pounds was caught at Canada's Lake Diefenbaker in 2009. Idaho State Journal.
Arizona woman dies 4 weeks after bear attack
An Arizona woman attacked by a bear while walking her dog four weeks ago near her vacation home in Pinetop died Monday after suffering a brain hemorrhage over the weekend. Lana Hollingsworth, 61, of Gilbert, had undergone numerous surgeries following the June 28 mauling. Her death marked the first bear-related fatality in state history. Arizona Republic.
