The Mountain-Prairie Region consists of 8 states in the heart of the American west including Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a long tradition of scientific excellence and always uses the best-available science to inform its work to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitat for the benefit of the American public.
Created in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, today's National Wildlife Refuge System protects habitats and wildlife across the country, from the Alaskan tundra to subtropical wetlands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System's 560-plus refuges cover more than 150 million acres and protect nearly 1,400 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
While national wildlife refuges were created to protect wildlife, they are for people too. Refuges are ideal places for people of all ages to explore and connect with the natural world. We invite you to learn more about and visit the national wildlife refuges and wetland management districts in Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
The Mountain-Prairie Region's Office of Ecological Services (ES) works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, ES personnel work with Federal, State, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our Nation's natural resources.
Providing leadership in the conservation of migratory bird habitat through partnerships, grants, and outreach for present and future generations. The Migratory Bird Program is responsible for maintaining healthy migratory bird populations for the benefit of the American people.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program in the Mountain-Prairie Region helps conserve, protect, and enhance aquatic resources and provides economically valuable recreational fishing to anglers across the country. The program comprises 12 National Fish Hatcheries.
Law enforcement is essential to virtually every aspect of wildlife conservation. The Office of Law Enforcement contributes to Service efforts to manage ecosystems, save endangered species, conserve migratory birds, preserve wildlife habitat, restore fisheries, combat invasive species, and promote international wildlife conservation.
External Affairs staff in the Mountain-Prairie Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides support to the regional office and field stations to communicate and faciliate information about the Service's programs to the public, media, Congress, Tribes, partners, and other stakeholders in the 8-state region.
Skunkcap Ordered To Pay $30,000 In Restitution For Shooting Three Grizzly Bears
For Immediate Release
January 22, 2015
Grizzly bear. Credit: courtesy of Princess Lodges / Creative Commons.
GREAT FALLS - The United States Attorney’s Office announces that Everett Skunkcap, 75, of Browning, Montana, was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution for shooting three grizzly bears. U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston ordered that Skunkcap also be sentenced to six months jail, which was suspended on the condition that Skunkcap timely pay all restitution.
Skunkcap was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to one count of Taking a Threatened Species. In an Offer of Proof, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Weldon stated it would have proved that Skunkcap shot three grizzly bears. Specifically, Skunkcap saw the grizzly bears, grabbed a .300 Winchester rifle, and shot the first two immediately. The third grizzly bear ran away but returned an hour later. Skunkcap also shot the third bear because he claimed it was going to “raise hell” later that night.
When questioned about the shootings, Skunkcap admitted that he indeed shot the bears. He then asked investigators if he could have the grizzlies back when the investigation was complete. Skunkcap stated he was going to “tan them and put them on the wall [as a] souvenir for what [he] did.”
Five months prior to the shooting, Skunkcap told Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Technicians that he shot a different grizzly bear last year, and, if any grizzlies were on his property, he would shoot them again. Skunkcap was instructed to call the office if there were bear management issues. Skunkcap responded that he would just shoot them anyway.
This case was investigated by the Fish and Wildlife Service and local law enforcement. All restitution payments are used to support law enforcement efforts toward investigating and prosecuting future wildlife crimes.