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. Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:41:30 +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 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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]]> 97334 To protect eagles, hunters and conservationists rebuild old alliances https://www.hcn.org/issues/54-11/birds-to-protect-eagles-hunters-and-conservationists-rebuild-old-alliances/ Tue, 25 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/2022/10/25/to-protect-eagles-hunters-and-conservationists-rebuild-old-alliances/

Evidence of the toxic effects of lead ammunition on wildlife spurs a search for common ground.

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]]> 121516 Wildfires may have unexpected climate impacts https://www.hcn.org/articles/climate-change-wildfires-may-have-unexpected-climate-impacts/ Fri, 26 Feb 2021 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/2021/02/26/wildfires-may-have-unexpected-climate-impacts/

Wyoming researchers find current models may underestimate how smoke blocks sunlight and cools the planet.

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]]> 94681 When the love of skiing endangers wildlife https://www.hcn.org/issues/52-3s/special-recreation-when-the-love-of-skiing-endangers-wildlife/ Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/2020/03/16/when-the-love-of-skiing-endangers-wildlife/

A world-renowned athlete stopped skiing in sensitive areas. Can she convince others to do the same?

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]]> 120739 Faced with chronic wasting disease, what’s a hunting family to do? https://www.hcn.org/issues/51-18/hunting-faced-with-chronic-wasting-disease-whats-a-hunting-family-to-do/ Mon, 28 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000 https://www.hcn.org/2019/10/28/faced-with-chronic-wasting-disease-whats-a-hunting-family-to-do/

Hunters are critical for game management, but the spread of CWD means some may put down the rifle.

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