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The Top 10 Most Read Stories in the Daily Montanan for 2024

Politics, Wildlife, and Unsolved Mysteries Capture Montana’s Attention

As 2024 winds down, the Daily Montanan takes a moment to reflect on the stories that captured the hearts and minds of its readers throughout the year. From high-stakes political drama to the mysteries surrounding national parks, Montanans showed a deep interest in both the complex issues of the day and the wildlife that roams their vast state. Here are the top 10 most-read stories that made headlines in Montana this year.

1. When Trump Comes to Town, He Brings Excitement, Leaves Unpaid Bills Behind

It’s not surprising that former President Donald Trump’s visit to Montana made headlines. The excitement surrounding his campaign stop in the state brought a flurry of activity, with supporters gathering to hear his speech and discuss his policies. However, behind the scenes, Trump’s visit also left some lingering issues. Reports surfaced about unpaid bills from past events, adding a layer of controversy to the trip. As always with Trump, the story was filled with both fervent support and vocal criticism, making it a hot topic for readers.

2. The Mystery of the Fountain Hotel in Yellowstone National Park

Another story that captivated the public’s attention was the ongoing mystery of the Fountain Hotel in Yellowstone National Park. The historic hotel has long been shrouded in intrigue, with rumors swirling about its closure, the fate of its artifacts, and what remains hidden within its walls. The Daily Montanan delved deep into the history of the hotel, providing a closer look at its significance in the park and uncovering the facts surrounding its sudden disappearance from the spotlight.

Grizzly bears Yellowstone National Park

3. Complaint: DOJ’s Montana Highway Patrol Fired Trooper in Retaliation

This story, centered on a complaint filed against the Montana Highway Patrol, ignited debates over transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The complaint, claiming retaliation against a trooper for whistleblowing, drew attention to potential misconduct within the department. As the investigation unfolded, many questioned the integrity of the agency and the broader implications of such actions on public trust.

4. Antler-Hunter Shoots, Kills Grizzly Bear Near Wolf Creek

The death of a grizzly bear near Wolf Creek shocked Montanans, stirring up discussions on hunting regulations, wildlife conservation, and public safety. An antler-hunter shot and killed the bear, raising concerns about the safety of bears in hunting zones and the proper training of hunters. The incident sparked a wider conversation on the balance between wildlife preservation and the rights of hunters in Montana’s wilderness.

5. Montana Man Charged by the Feds for Illegally Breeding, Trafficking Hybrid Asian Sheep

A chilling case of animal trafficking made headlines this year as a Montana man was charged by federal authorities for illegally breeding and trafficking hybrid Asian sheep. The illegal operation posed a serious threat to local ecosystems, raising alarms among environmentalists. The Daily Montanan covered the story in detail, following the investigation and arrest, and shedding light on the consequences of such illegal activities.

6. Remains of Missing Climber Found, Glacier National Park Officials Say

The discovery of remains from a missing climber in Glacier National Park captured the collective heart of the state. Search teams had been scouring the park for months before finally finding the climber’s remains. The story not only brought closure to a tragic event but also sparked a conversation on the dangers of climbing in the park, one of the most rugged and treacherous areas in the country.

7. Yellowstone Grizzlies Are Dying at a Near-Record Pace. Managers Aren’t Alarmed.

Yellowstone’s grizzly population faced a worrying trend this year, with the bears dying at a near-record rate. The story sparked concerns about the health of the grizzly population in the region and what it might mean for the future of the species. However, wildlife managers were notably unperturbed, claiming that the deaths were within expected parameters. The article explored the controversy surrounding the issue and the different perspectives on wildlife management in the park.

8. Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Releases Preliminary Report on Biscuit Basin Explosion

Another fascinating development in Yellowstone involved the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s release of a preliminary report on the Biscuit Basin explosion. The eruption in the park’s geothermal area raised questions about the stability of the region and the possibility of future volcanic activity. The report provided valuable insights, and the public eagerly followed updates as scientists continued to monitor the situation.

9. Fifth Wolf Killed in Unit North of Yellowstone National Park, Despite Quota

In the ongoing debate over wolf management, the killing of a fifth wolf in a designated zone north of Yellowstone National Park, despite the established quota, made headlines this year. The controversy highlighted the tension between conservation efforts and hunting regulations, as conservationists voiced concerns over the impact of killing wolves on the ecosystem. The story was met with mixed reactions from different factions in Montana’s wildlife community.

10. Montana to Start Trucking Grizzlies into Yellowstone Region to Improve Delisting Prospects

In a bid to support the delisting of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list, Montana officials announced plans to begin trucking grizzly bears into the Yellowstone region. The controversial decision was aimed at boosting the population in the area, but it also sparked a debate over the ethics and logistics of relocating wildlife. The story became one of the most-read pieces in the state as it raised questions about the future of grizzly conservation efforts.

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