Colorado Department of Wildlife

Some cottontail rabbits in Fort Collins, have been drawing attention because they have wart-like growths on their faces that look like horns. The rabbits are infected with the relatively common Shope papillomavirus. The virus likely inspired the centuries-old jackalope myth.

The nearly 2,000-acre Collard Ranch property near Fairplay was acquired by the state in the spring. It opens to hunters in October, which has some people worried about the impact on migrating elk herds. According to Colorado Sun reporter Tracy Ross, there's been some pushback from people who say state regulations unfairly favor hunters and anglers over other uses in wildlife areas.

Invasive zebra mussels have arrived in the Colorado River. State wildlife officials said signs of the mussels were found in the river and a canal on the Western Slope. The Colorado Sun reports the invaders pose huge risks to water infrastructure and fish populations.

Colorado’s waters have been deadly so far this year. The state Department of Parks & Wildlife reports at least 33 water-related deaths -- 17 of those in reservoirs and 15 in moving water. The agency has tried to stop the trend with increased messaging on safety. And they've been issuing hundreds of tickets to recreators not wearing life jackets. Colorado Sun reporter Jason Blevins joined KUNC's Michael Lyle, Jr. to get more on this troubling situation.

Colorado Sun Health and Environment Reporter Michael Booth joined us to talk about efforts to improve mental health services in Colorado and how Colorado Parks and Wildlife efforts to save wildlife could be bringing unintended economic consequences.

For the first time, pronghorn hunting will be allowed in the Soapstone Prairie Natural Area north of Fort Collins. Six doe pronghorn permits will be…