Tag: Montana News

West Nile Virus Activity Confirmed in Montana

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DPHHS URGES MONTANANS TO TAKE INCREASED CAUTION AGAINST MOSQUITO BITES THIS SUMMER

State and local health officials confirmed the first detections of West Nile virus (WNV) in Montana for summer 2026. WNV activity will likely spread across the state, and the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is urging all Montanans to take increased precautions against mosquito bites. Two mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV in Roosevelt County. Detection of WNV in mosquitoes is an early indicator that activity is increasing within the state, elevating the risk of human illness.

No cases of WNV infections have been reported in humans or horses yet this summer. WNV can cause illness in humans after a bite from an infected Culex mosquito. The increased risk of transmission to humans is expected to continue through October, or as long as mosquitoes remain active in the state. “West Nile virus symptoms span a wide spectrum, with many people experiencing prolonged, flu-like fatigue and body aches, while others remain entirely asymptomatic,” said DPHHS Vectorborne Disease Epidemiologist Devon Cozart.

“The risk of severe illness is a serious concern; every year, some Montanans experience neurological complications that can cause permanent disability or death. We urge everyone to take steps to mitigate these risks by making mosquito bite prevention a daily habit.” Currently, there is no vaccine or targeted medication for WNV in humans, aside from supportive care. Most people who become infected with WNV will be asymptomatic, but one in five experience mild symptoms, including headache, rash, body aches, joint pains, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Fatigue and body aches may persist for weeks following infection. About 1 in 150 human infections result in severe disease, known as neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection. Neuroinvasive West Nile can cause neurological symptoms, including disorientation, stupor, coma, paralysis, vision loss, and convulsions. WNV can be fatal or lead to long-term neurological complications. Horses can also be infected with WNV. Horse owners may contact their veterinarian to obtain an annual vaccine to protect against WNV. Preventing mosquito bites is important when spending time outdoors in the summer, especially during dusk and dawn, which are peak feeding activity times for female Culex mosquitoes.

Permethrin is an insect repellent that can be utilized to treat clothing and gear, including tents. The Environmental Protection Agency also maintains lists of approved insect repellents that can be applied directly to the skin. Emptying standing water at least once per week is important to keep mosquitoes away from homes. For items such as rain barrels, apply a screen to the opening to restrict mosquito access. For other mosquito bite prevention tips, check out the 4 Ds of mosquito bite prevention below.

The 4 Ds of Mosquito Bite Prevention include:

  • DEET: Use insect repellent containing effective ingredients such as DEET or picaridin. To verify the effectiveness of insect repellent, go to the EPA’s webpage on insect repellents.
  • Drain: Drain standing water around the house to prevent mosquito breeding.
  • Dawn/Dusk: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Stay inside or take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites during these times. If doors or windows are left open in the summer, make sure they’re fitted with screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
  • Dress: When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against bites.

Source: West Nile Virus Activity Confirmed in Montana

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2

Finding Truth and Life in Jesus

In a world filled with competing voices, confusing paths, and endless distractions, Jesus doesn’t simply show us the way He declares, ‘I am the way.’ When everything…

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Montana Teen Uses Rodeo Lasso to Rescue Drowning Man on Yellowstone River

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dramatic grand canyon of yellowstone view

A 14-year-old boy camping near Greycliff used his roping skills to rescue a drowning man from the Yellowstone River during a family trip.

Source: (667) Montana Teen Uses Rodeo Lasso to Rescue Drowning Man on Yellowstone River – YouTube

I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.
Genesis 9:13

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Pip: A mountain village, a wandering stranger, a mother weaving a basket by the river — Drink of Jesus has been building a world where ancient scripture lands like it’s…

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Winter Storm Warning: 10 Inches of Snow, 50 mph Winds Coming This Week

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rural snowy village during severe blizzard

Certain areas of the Midwest are experiencing higher snowfall and wind speeds this week. The National Weather Service has confirmed that snowy conditions will continue into next week across some areas of the Midwest.

After a few weeks of heavy snowfall throughout the Rockies, conditions in Wyoming and Montana have calmed down over the past few days. The NWS now reports that snowfall will once again be expected in the region, with wind gusts of 40 mph adding to the stormy conditions.According to the NWS’ graphical forecast feature, wind speeds will peak at 50 mph in northwestern Wyoming at midnight on Tuesday, May 12. These dangerous gusts will be concentrated in the high-altitude areas of the Rocky Mountains, with the rest of the state facing speeds closer to 30 or 40 mph.

Northern Montana will also face high-speed winds on Monday and Tuesday, with the NWS predicting 40 mph gusts close to the North Dakota border. The state’s southern border with Idaho can expect speeds of around 30 mph.

When it comes to snow, hazardous conditions will be much more localized. While the rest of the country can expect a particularly dry week, areas of Wyoming and Montana located along the Rocky Mountains will face snowfall of 10 inches or more throughout the week.

Source: Winter Storm Warning: 10 Inches of Snow, 50 mph Winds Coming This Week – Men’s Journal

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
Romans 12:12

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Apparent bear attack kills missing hiker in Montana’s Glacier National Park

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majestic grizzly bear roaring in the wilderness

The body of a hiker who was reported missing has been found by search and rescue crews in Glacier National Park in Montana, park officials said Thursday. His remains were spotted Wednesday about two-and-a-half miles up the Mt. Brown Trail, some 50 feet off the trail “in a densely wooded area with downed timber,” the officials said. “His injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear encounter,” they said, adding that “wildlife and law enforcement personnel are currently assessing the area for bear activity and any ongoing public safety concerns. The investigation is ongoing.”

reflection on rocks underneath a lake
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That part of the trail has been closed until the investigation is finished. The National Park Service isn’t releasing the victim’s name until three days after his next-of-kin are notified. The service said Tuesday that a search was being conducted for a Fort Lauderdale, Florida man who was hiking and hadn’t been heard from since Sunday night. On Monday, two hikers were injured in a bear attack at Yellowstone National Park, the first such incident at the park this year. Craig Lerman, a tourist from Maryland, told Cowboy State Daily that he helped one of the injured hikers and said the man was “tore up pretty bad” with cuts all over his body. 

Source: Apparent bear attack kills missing hiker in Montana’s Glacier National Park – CBS Miami

For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”
Romans 14:11

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First grizzly bear of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass

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photo of grizzly bears on a grass field

An image of the sighting showed the massive bear standing over the carcass near Yellowstone Lake.

Source: First grizzly bear of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass – CBS News

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:5

Baby rescued from earthquake rubble in Colombia as death toll rises

Footage posted on social media shows a young baby being pulled alive from the rubble of a destroyed building in Colombia after a 7.-magnitude earthquake struck the country Monday. The video, posted by Brian Osorio Zuluaga on Monday night, shows a group of people combing through the rubble of a building in Cali, asking a…

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Bear, 2 cubs spotted in Auburn as Placer County bear sightings continue

A mother bear and her two cubs were spotted Tuesday in Auburn, marking the latest after a string of recent bear sightings across western Placer County. The Auburn Police Department said the bears were seen near Lincoln Way and Russell Road. “A friendly reminder to our neighbors: We live in bear country! Please keep an…

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Cougar spotted roaming Minnesota community

Forty miles west of Minneapolis, Howard Lake mixes water recreation with country living. But a couple weeks ago, the small town got a visit from an unexpected feline guest. A security camera captured video of what appears to be a cougar strolling through a neighborhood.  “Generally, it’s pretty quiet. People like to get out on their four-wheelers…

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Dangers of the Deep: Tracking Sharks Along the New York Coast

New shark-spotting technology has been on full display this summer—and for good reason. With shark activity on the rise, the Nassau County Police Marine Bureau is on the front lines, using new technology to patrol local waters and help keep beachgoers safe. FOX Weather Correspondent Katie Byrne reports from Lido Beach, New York. Source: Dangers…

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Warning from wildlife expert after Wisconsin bear attack

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Monday continued to investigate a black bear attack in Barron County that landed a 69-year-old woman in the hospital. What You Need To Know The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Monday continued to investigate a black bear attack in Barron County that landed a 69-year-old woman in the…

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Wind Blows off School Roof in Great Falls; Severe wind causes trouble across the region

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Powerful winds are causing trouble in Great Falls and across the region, including roof damage, downed trees, and power outages.

Source: Severe wind causes trouble across the region

Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
Psalm 112:6

Roseville bear sighting reported a day after Rocklin alert

A bear was spotted in Roseville on Wednesday morning, one day after police in neighboring Rocklin issued an alert about a similar sighting. Roseville Fire said the bear was seen near Foothills Boulevard between Blue Oaks Boulevard and Pleasant Grove Boulevard. Roseville police said they received three reports of a bear sighting, all between 2…

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Over half a dozen sharks seen on video near popular Maine beach in two days

More than half a dozen white sharks have been spotted close to shore in Scarborough, Maine over a 48-hour period, prompting warnings and increased monitoring near a popular beach. The sightings have generated interest from both beachgoers and biologists. Scarborough Marine Resource Officer Daryen Granata said many of the sharks spotted in the area are…

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1.3 million Ram trucks recalled over improperly installed seat belt anchors

Chrysler is recalling more than 1.27 million Ram 1500 pickup trucks because the second-row seat belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall affects Ram 1500 trucks from the 2019 through 2026 model years. NHTSA said the anchors fail to meet federal safety standards. An…

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Arson arrest in one of the Spokane area wildfires that have left some residents with nothing – CBS News

A 37-year-old man was arrested Monday for allegedly starting the largest of the three devastating Spokane, Washington-area wildfires that are leaving some residents with nothing. Aaron Farinacci, a Spokane resident who has a prior manslaughter conviction, was booked on suspicion of first degree arson in connection with the Old Trails Fire and was being held…

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