Christine Peterson, Author at High Country News https://www.hcn.org A nonprofit independent magazine of unblinking journalism that shines a light on all of the complexities of the West. Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:31:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.hcn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-HCN_Logo-Monogram_White_Sq-2-32x32.png Christine Peterson, Author at High Country News https://www.hcn.org 32 32 229054741 Wolverines may return to Colorado https://www.hcn.org/articles/wolverines-may-return-to-colorado/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:32:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=327303

But can they survive in the warming southern Rockies?

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]]> 327303 When grasshoppers attack https://www.hcn.org/articles/when-grasshoppers-attack/ Wed, 10 Jul 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=326585

Is the cure for grasshopper outbreaks worse than the disease?

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]]> 326585 When a landslide blocks your commute https://www.hcn.org/articles/when-a-landslide-blocks-your-commute/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=326222

The Teton Pass collapse highlights the importance — and growing vulnerability — of mountain roads.

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]]> 326222 For these mammals, migration is a means of survival https://www.hcn.org/issues/56-4/for-these-mammals-migration-is-a-means-of-survival/ Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:05:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/?p=323699 Roughly 5 miles separate the wildlife overpass just north of Daniel Junction, pictured, from the Trappers Point overpass outside Pinedale, Wyoming. Overpasses like these, along with underpasses and wildlife fences, have helped reduce wildife-vehicle collisions in the state by 80% to 90%, according to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Will Westerners repair a fractured landscape for mule deer, pronghorn, and elk?

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]]> 323699 New refuge provides hope for critically endangered toad https://www.hcn.org/articles/new-refuge-provides-hope-for-critically-endangered-toad/ Fri, 20 Oct 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/new-refuge-provides-hope-for-critically-endangered-toad/ Molter scans a Wyoming toad for the microchip that indicates he was raised in captivity. After noting the toad’s location and the number of his microchip, she will release him back into his Laramie Basin habitat and continue her survey.

One of the most endangered amphibians in North America faces threats but also possibilities.

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]]> 199080 BLM has a plan to tackle booming recreation — at least in theory https://www.hcn.org/articles/recreation-blm-has-a-plan-to-tackle-booming-recreation-at-least-in-theory/ Fri, 08 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/recreation-blm-has-a-plan-to-tackle-booming-recreation-at-least-in-theory/ People with off-highway vehicles recreate at Anthony Sand Dunes, Idaho.

The agency is taking a hard look at how to protect land and wildlife while welcoming ever more visitors.

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]]> 203147 People are shooting birds off power lines in the West https://www.hcn.org/articles/birds-people-are-shooting-birds-off-power-lines-in-the-west/ Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:27:04 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/birds-people-are-shooting-birds-off-power-lines-in-the-west/

Gunshots outnumber electrocution as a cause of death, according to a new study.

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]]> 190877 When the woods get noisy, the animals get nervous https://www.hcn.org/articles/recreation-when-the-woods-get-noisy-the-animals-gets-nervous/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/recreation-when-the-woods-get-noisy-the-animals-gets-nervous/ Hikers on Big Sandy Lake Trail in Bridger Teton National Forest, Wyoming.

New study uses trail cameras and speakers to isolate what human sounds do to animals.

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]]> 203241 A deadly disease stalks deer and elk. Do predators help or hurt? https://www.hcn.org/issues/55-4/north-wildlife-a-deadly-disease-stalks-deer-and-elk-do-predators-help-or-hurt/ Sat, 01 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/north-wildlife-a-deadly-disease-stalks-deer-and-elk-do-predators-help-or-hurt/

In the Rockies, chronic wasting disease can devastate herds; scientists are looking for solutions.

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]]> 225965 The recipe for restoring damaged lands is missing one key ingredient: seeds https://www.hcn.org/articles/scientific-research-the-recipe-for-restoring-damaged-lands-is-missing-one-key-ingredient-seeds/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/2023/02/17/the-recipe-for-restoring-damaged-lands-is-missing-one-key-ingredient-seeds/

A new report highlights recovery solutions to fires, droughts and other climate catastrophes.

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