NOTES FROM ABOVE THE TREE LINE
ROCK PTARMIGAN
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FROM THE FIELD
The Wolverine: 40 Pounds of Absolutely Not
The wolverine has a branding problem. Its name has been assigned to a comic-book character, sports teams, armored vehicles, knives, boots, and at least…
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FROM THE FIELD
Local Raccoon Insists Cooler Was Already Open
A raccoon questioned in connection with an overnight cooler breach denied responsibility Monday, maintaining that the container was already “structurally available” when it arrived…
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FROM THE FIELD
11 National Parks Where the Parking Lot Is Now the First Hike
The national park trip begins with a photograph. A canyon. A lake. A waterfall. A granite wall. A mountain road disappearing through trees.
Latest Stories
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8 Camping Pillows for People Who Finally Refuse to Pretend a Jacket Is a Pillow
For years, backpackers have participated in a small ritual of self-deception. At bedtime they take a jacket, stuff…
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The American Badger Has Had Enough of This
The American badger looks irritated because we recognize irritation better than anatomy. Its face has black-and-white markings that…
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Area Woodpecker Asked to Keep It Down Until 7
Campground guests filed a formal noise complaint Saturday against a pileated woodpecker that began operating on a dead…
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The Great Lakes Are Large Enough to Manufacture Weather
Lake Michigan does not create winter. Canada assists. The jet stream assists. Large-scale pressure systems do most of…
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Bear Claims Tent Attack Was “Mostly Investigative”
A black bear involved in an overnight tent-damage incident described its actions Monday as “mostly investigative” and denied…
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9 Coolers Capable of Protecting $34 Worth of Hot Dogs for Five Days
The modern hard cooler has become an extraordinary object. It can have wheels, gaskets, latches, drains, tie-down points,…
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Theodore Roosevelt Would Like Everyone to Go Outside Immediately
Theodore Roosevelt did not invent the outdoors. This is worth establishing early. People lived, worked, hunted, traveled and…
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Porcupine Again Forced to Explain It Cannot Shoot Quills
A North American porcupine reiterated Thursday that it cannot shoot its quills, expressing frustration that the misconception remains…
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12 Pocket Knives for Cutting Cheese and Feeling Prepared
A pocket knife is one of the oldest pieces of outdoor gear still capable of making its owner…
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10 Signs You’re Hiking With Someone Who Has Made Hiking Their Whole Personality
A hobby becomes a personality gradually. At first, someone goes hiking. Then they buy hiking shoes. Then a…
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John Wesley Powell Had One Arm and a Terrible Idea About the Colorado River
John Wesley Powell looked at the Green and Colorado river system in 1869 and decided to travel through…
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Area Badger Badgers Wisconsin Badgers’ Badger
A promotional appearance by the University of Wisconsin’s costumed badger mascot was briefly suspended Saturday after an actual…
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