Prominent Wildlife Photographer Fined for Traffic Violation While Protecting Grizzly Bears in Grand Teton

CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Renowned wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsen faced criticism in a Wyoming federal magistrate’s court after being found guilty of a minor traffic offense last month. During a recent court session conducted via Zoom, Federal Magistrate Mark Carman, despite recognizing Mangelsen’s impressive photographic contributions, advised the 78-year-old to collaborate more closely with the National Park Service to avoid future conflicts. Mangelsen, a prominent figure known for his wildlife photography, was cited for obstructing traffic on October 9 after he reportedly drove slowly in front of Grizzly 610—an injured and well-known bear—on a highway in … Read more

Bidding Farewell to Berlinale: 20 Films Compete for Golden and Silver Bears in the 74th Award Ceremony

BERLIN, Germany – The prestigious 74th Berlinale award ceremony has commenced, featuring 20 films competing for the coveted Golden and Silver Bear awards. Movie enthusiasts can witness the gala live on the Berlinale website or through the festival’s YouTube channel, making it accessible to a global audience. Leading the international jury that will determine the winners is acclaimed actor Lupita Nyong’o, known for her roles in Oscar-winning films “12 Years a Slave” and “Black Panther”. This year’s Berlinale marks the final edition under the artistic direction of Carlo Chatrian, who will be succeeded by Tricia … Read more

German Citizen Arrested in Russia for Carrying Cannabis-Infused Gummy Bears: Another Case of Moscow’s Strict Stance on International Travelers

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Moscow’s strict stance on international travelers caught with cannabis on Russian soil has once again led to the arrest of a foreign citizen. This time, a German man found himself in custody after Russian authorities discovered cannabis-infused gummy bears in his luggage at Pulkovo Airport. Identified as 38-year-old Patrick Schobel, the man was detained late last month and is expected to remain in custody until at least March 15. According to the Russian Federal Customs Service, Schobel had flown from Hamburg, Germany, to St. Petersburg via a connecting flight in Istanbul. … Read more

Conservation Groups Fight Against Wolf Trapping in Idaho, Seeking to Protect Endangered Grizzly Bears

BOISE, Idaho – Conservation groups are taking legal action to protect endangered grizzly bears in Idaho from wolf trapping practices. Thirteen organizations have filed a lawsuit to halt the use of traps and snares for wolves, arguing that such methods could inadvertently harm grizzlies as well. The groups have appealed to a federal judge, requesting a ban on trapping activities during periods when bears are not hibernating. Idaho is home to approximately 80 protected grizzly bears, and conservationists fear that even a single casualty caused by a wolf trap could hinder the species’ recovery efforts. … Read more