The World’s Largest Wildlife Overpass is Halfway Complete 🌉

The weekend might not be here just yet, but your favorite dispatch from the great outdoors is. 

So grab your coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and let's get caught up on the outdoor news and views from the past 24-or-so hours. 

Here's what's worth reading about today:

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IT’S YUGE!
THE WORLD’S LARGEST WILDLIFE OVERPASS IS HALFWAY COMPLETE

In the heart of Colorado’s Douglas County, a groundbreaking project is taking shape along Interstate 25 near the Greenland Interchange between Monument and Larkspur. The Greenland Wildlife Overpass, poised to become the world’s largest wildlife overpass upon its completion, represents a bold effort to harmonize human infrastructure with the needs of wildlife. According to officials, the project is now halfway complete, marking a significant milestone in Colorado’s commitment to reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and preserving critical migration corridors.

The origins of the Greenland Wildlife Overpass trace back to growing concerns over the safety of both drivers and wildlife along the I-25 corridor, a vital artery connecting Denver and Colorado Springs. This 18-mile stretch, known as the I-25 South Gap, sees approximately 85,000 daily trips, a number projected to soar to 150,000 by 2040. The area is a hotspot for wildlife-vehicle collisions, averaging one crash per day during peak migration seasons. These incidents pose risks to human lives, cause significant property damage, and threaten the survival of species like elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bears, and mountain lions…

🤨 Baby Deer Found Burned and Tied in Maryland Neighborhood, Prompting Police Investigation. In late July , a disturbing incident occurred in Perry Hall, Maryland, where a baby deer was found dead, burned, and tied with a rope in a residential neighborhood. The fawn was discovered on the morning of July 24 on Bangert Avenue near the intersection with Forge Haven Drive in the Honeygo area. Residents reported the deer had a rope around its neck and severe burn marks, with a scorch mark left on the roadway. Nearby, a glove, a charred piece of a box, and a Wawa receipt for a buffalo chicken quesadilla were found, adding to suspicions of foul play.

Baltimore County Police and Animal Services responded, with the police noting the animal appeared to have been deceased before being burned. The case is under investigation and being reviewed by the State’s Attorney’s Office, with increased police patrols in the area. Neighbors, shocked by the cruelty in their typically quiet community, expressed concerns for the safety of pets and local wildlife. One resident, Tiffany Doxanas, suggested the act might involve a child or teenager, indicating possible deeper issues. The incident has sparked outrage online, with residents calling for a thorough investigation and accountability.

🫎 Illegal Killing of Cow and Calf Moose Near Kamiah Sparks Idaho Fish and Game Investigation. According to Idaho officials, on July 19th, between 7 and 9 p.m., a cow moose and her calf were illegally killed near Kamiah, Idaho, in a meadow approximately 50 yards from Forest Service Road 500. Idaho Fish and Game reports that both animals were likely shot with a rifle from the road, with 75-100 pounds of meat, including an entire quarter and portions of both backstraps, left to waste. This incident occurred out of season, violating Idaho’s strict moose hunting regulations, which allow only limited, once-in-a-lifetime harvest opportunities through a controlled hunt drawing.

The illegal killing of the two moose constitutes a felony, carrying a minimum fine of $1,000, a $4,500 civil penalty, and mandatory hunting license revocation. Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public assistance to identify the perpetrators, offering anonymity and potential financial rewards for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be reported to Senior Conservation Officer Aaron Wright at (208) 921-4172, the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline at (800) 632-5999, or the Fish and Game enforcement tip line.

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Nonresident Idaho hunters can apply for 2026 deer/elk tags in December; here are the details: Fish and Game recently announced details on new nonresident drawing for deer and elk tags for 2026. The drawing replaces the traditional first-come, first-served sale that occurred online and at license and tag vendors.  Read the full story.

Minnesota DNR adds eight counties to deer feeding and attractant ban: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has added eight counties to a deer feeding and attractant ban to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spread, after CWD was detected in wild deer in new areas of the state last year. Read the full story.

Arkansas GFC’s permit dove hunt application process begins today:  Dove hunters will have twice the opportunity as last year through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s private land permit hunts this upcoming season, with hunts available throughout the state. Read the full story.

How to choose the best bear bait for Maine’s hunting season: The big question is: what’s the best bait to attract bears and keep them coming back to your location, and what food source can you easily attain and afford? Read the full story.

Illinois Closes Gray Fox Hunting And Trapping Season Indefinitely: Surveys and preliminary results of current research indicate a substantial decline in gray fox distribution and abundance in the last ten years. Even though Illinois hunters and trappers harvest very few gray foxes, this closure will remove any additional pressure and additive mortality from harvest.  Read the full story.

Deadline for the second Idaho’s Super Hunt and Super Hunt drawing is August 10 : Idaho’s Super Hunt and Super Hunt Combo tags allow hunters to pursue world-class big game in any open hunt in Idaho. Every year, 34 hunters win this special opportunity! To win a Super Hunt tag, hunters need to enter the Super Hunt Drawings.  Read the full story.

🤗 This fella just swam on up and latched on. Technically speaking, you’re not supposed to touch manatees but if they go ahead and latch on to you, you’re free to enjoy the embrace like an HR exec at a Coldplay concert.

Honestly, they are the ugliest cute things on the planet…

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The pull of the weekend.

📸 : @marialovely_

Oh, and one more thing…