Yellowstone National Park

Elk are a familiar sight in much of Montana now, but that hasn't always been the case. By the early 1900s, unregulated hunting had led to massive declines in wildlife nationwide. But In Yellowstone, elk populations were exploding thanks to protections in place there. The solution to restoring elk outside the park seemed obvious. Less obvious was how to make it happen. This week on the Big Why, we trace the animals' bumpy path from the living laboratory called Yellowstone Park to the Bitterroot Valley and beyond.

Wolves are among Yellowstone's most popular sights – so popular and so closely watched they can become accustomed to seeing people. But when wolves leave the park, that familiarity can turn deadly for them. MTPR's Elinor Smith spoke with Nick Mott, who dug into what happens when the animals cross park boundaries.

Mine workers sue Sibanye Stillwater over alleged labor law violations; National park entrance fees to increase by hundreds of dollars for foreign tourists; Missoula County reports its first flu-related death of the season.

Glacier and Yellowstone national parks will remain open during the government shutdown, according to a federal memo. A major drop in staffing will impact park services and gateway communities.

State wildlife officials will take up a proposal Thursday to overhaul hunting regulations in order to reduce wolf numbers statewide. But locals near Yellowstone National Park say the proposal would impact the region’s vulnerable wolf population and the economy built around it.

The National Park Service has reported record breaking visitation last year. But agency employees are now being told to avoid talking about those numbers, according to a reported internal memo.

Significant cuts to the federal workforce have created uncertainty around staffing levels at national parks in Montana. MTPR’s John Hooks shares the latest with host Elinor Smith.

The Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is once again underway in Missoula. The annual event spotlights real life stories, some with international flavor and plenty from right here in our own backyard. MTPR's Austin Amestoy sat down with the director of a film recounting the dramatic days before, during and after the 2022 Yellowstone floods.

Briefs: National parks bring billion dollar boost; PSC has more time to respond to climate petition; Polls show Sheehy leading in the Senate race.

Montana wildlife officials agreed to join a multi-state plan to manage grizzly bears around Yellowstone National Park. The deal will go into effect if grizzlies in the ecosystem are delisted from federal endangered species protections.