Suckley's cuckoo bumble bee proposed for endangered listing
October 3, 2026
(Bombus suckleyi) has a range overlapping the Non-calcareous Foothill Grassland ecosystem and is proposed for endangered listing under the Endangered Species Act. The Montana Ecological Services Field Office in Helena has jurisdiction over ESA consultations affecting this ecosystem.
Monarch butterfly proposed for threatened listing
October 3, 2026
The (Danaus plexippus) has a range overlapping the Non-calcareous Foothill Grassland ecosystem and is proposed for threatened listing under the Endangered Species Act. This means the species is not yet legally protected but may receive federal protection in its final listing process.
Warm spell continues near Lewistown Airport
October 3, 2026
Mean daily temperatures at Lewistown Airport 22 km away averaged 73°F high and 45.5°F low over the past 14 days, running 7.7°F above normal for early October. Sustained warmth continues to reduce snowpack survival and increase evaporation demand on water-stressed grassland.
Western painted turtle spotted at EF Reservoir
October 3, 2026
A was documented at the EF Reservoir area on September 15, 2026, as the species prepares to seek overwintering habitat. Late-summer records mark the final window before turtles move into dormancy.
Ducks stage at Carter Pond during fall migration
October 3, 2026
and other ducks including Mallard, Bufflehead, and Ruddy Duck were recorded at Carter Pond on October 2, indicating active fall migration and use of local wetlands as staging areas.