Latest Wyoming News

Devils Tower climb routes closed to protect nesting falcons

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Some rock climbing routes on Devils Tower in northeastern Wyoming have been closed to protect nesting falcons. The annual closures remain in effect until young falcons fledge. The National Park Services says the closures give peregrine and prairie falcons an undisturbed area for courtship, nest selection and nesting. The Gillette News Record reports the closures also protect climbers. Falcons sometimes fly aggressively at people to protect their nests. Devils Tower is an almost 900-foot igneous rock formation known for its role in the 1977 science fiction film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” More than 100 other climbing routes remain open.

After fewer bison left Yellowstone, population set to grow

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Fewer bison migrated out of Yellowstone National Park this winter than in years past, leading officials to drop plans to capture and remove some of the animals as part of a population control program. About 170 bison were shot after leaving the park by hunters, down from more than 200 last year, The Billings Gazette reports. About 260 of the burly animals were shipped to slaughter last year. Park officials have tried to avoid such slaughters by relocating some bison to Native American tribes. But the program has had only limited success. 

Wyoming Legislature advances voter identification bill

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Wyoming Legislature has given final approval to a bill that would require residents to present a valid form of identification when voting in person, whether its during early voting or on Election Day. Currently, residents are only required to present a valid form of identification when registering to vote. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reported that the Senate voted 28-2 to advance the bill on Thursday. It will next head to Republican Gov. Mark Gordon for consideration. Republican state Rep. Chuck Gray, the bill’s main sponsor, has repeatedly described the proposal as a way to restore voters’ confidence in the election system.