Body found in Clark Fork identified as missing Missoula woman

Austin Amestoy | Montana Public Radio

Missoula police identified the body found in the Clark Fork River in mid-October as 43-year-old Eva Masin Prather. The Missoula resident and mother of three went missing last December, prompting an extensive search and action by social media groups covering the case. Authorities said in a statement that the cause of his death was being investigated.

In a Facebook post, Prather’s husband thanked the Missoula community for their support of the family and said a celebration of life would be planned at a later date.

Chronic Wasting Disease detected in a deer in the Ruby Mountains

Elinor Smith | Montana Public Radio

Chronic Wasting Disease was first detected in a deer in the Ruby Mountains.

CWD is a highly contagious prion disease that spreads among deer, moose and elk. The disease is common among white-tailed deer and mule deer in the lower Ruby Valley near where the infected deer was found. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks says the CWD detection is unlikely to change elk hunting regulations in the area this season.

FWP urges hunters to test harvested animals for CWD. Testing helps wildlife officials track the spread of the disease. Resources on how to test harvested animals can be found on FWP’s website.

There is no known transmission of CWD from animals to humans, but health officials still advise hunters not to consume any harvested animals that test positive for CWD.