A court-ordered discussion between parties to lawsuits challenging a decision by the U.S. Government to remove the Yellowstone grizzly from the Endangered Species list ended with no agreement, ensuring two judges will hear challenges.

A new study shows that the wolves of Yellowstone are affecting elk populations in very surprising ways. Since 1995, elk populations have been declining. It was estimated in 1995 that elk populations in the northern range numbered somewhere between 17,000 and 19,000. In the three winters prior to 2008, the estimated elk population has dropped to somewhere between 6,279 and 6,738.

When there are discussions of poaching in Yellowstone National Park, the talk usually involves animals of some sort, but earlier this month scofflaws were stopped from poaching eggs in a thermal feature in Biscuit Basin.

It's time for another free weekend in Yellowstone National Park, as entrance fees to America's oldest National Park will be waived on July 18-19, the second time this summer the Park Service has taken this step to spur interest in national treasures.