LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF

FWP: LEAVE BABY ANIMALS ALONE, BE MINDFUL OF DISEASES

EBS STAFF

With spring weather fast approaching, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminded folks that the organization doesn’t accept or rehabilitate moose, deer, elk and most other animals, and urged recreationalists to leave baby animals alone in a March press release.

Although people may think they are rescuing an orphaned animal, local wildlife have strategies to protect their young and baby animals often have the best chance of survival when left in the wild, according to FWP. Wildlife also has the potential to spread diseases that can be harmful for humans.

If you see a baby animal this spring, FWP recommends leaving it alone, controlling your dog and keeping in mind that it is illegal to possess and care for live animals taken from the wild.

Road Improvement Projects In Yellowstone To Impact 2023 Visitors

EBS STAFF

Yellowstone National Park is planning four major road improvement projects this year to improve safety, access and experience, according to a March 27 press release. Officials anticipate road delays along the park’s southern and northern corridors as a result of the road work.

The park has an asset inventory of $4.1 billion with an estimated $1 billion in deferred maintenance and repairs, according to the release. Annual routine management also costs an estimated $54 million.

The four upcoming projects include: the Lewis River Bridge, Old Faithful to West Thumb, Yellowstone River Bridge and Northeast Entrance Road. For current information about park road conditions, head to the park’s website.

Grizzly 399 Sets Out To Break Record

EBS STAFF

A 27-year-old grizzly mama in the Tetons may still be able to bear cubs this spring, according to 20-year-old study by former federal grizzly researcher Chuck Schwartz.

The oldest recorded grizzly to have cubs was 25, according to reporting from WyoFile. Schwartz’s research, however, found that grizzly fertility shuts off around age 29, meaning the famous grizzly 399 could be a mama once again, breaking the record.

Male grizzlies begin exiting hibernation in March and females typically exit with their cubs in April or early May, according to the National Park Service.

MSU SPRING RODEO TO RETURN APRIL 13-16

EBS STAFF

The 2023 Montana State University Spring Rodeo will return to Bozeman April 13-16 at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

The event will kick off on Thursday and attendees are encouraged to wear blue and gold attire to support “College Night.” Competition will continue Friday and Saturday, and the championship performance will take place on Sunday. The MSU men’s and women’s teams will compete against six other teams from the region.

For more information, visit the MSU Rodeo Facebook page or the MSU Rodeo website at montana.edu/rodeo/springrodeo.html

Lawmakers Advance Funding For Gallatin College

EBS STAFF

The House Appropriations Committee advanced $23.5 million in state funding for Montana State University’s two-year college after it was added to House Bill 5, which includes a slate of long-range building proposals, according to reporting from Montana Free Press.

Although the project wasn’t included in the start of the 2023 Legislative Session, MSU was able to have the project added until HB 5 after expressing concern that lack of funding could hinder Gallatin College’s growth.

The funding comes with a list of conditions, including the requirement that MSU matches the state’s appropriation with donations, meaning it must raise an additional $22.5 million. MSU must also present a plan for the project to the Department of Administration for approval by September 30.