Updates on Utah's wildlife from the DWR
Each week the DWR publishes interesting and informative stories about Utah's wildlife. If you want these stories delivered to your inbox just as soon as we publish them, please sign up for our weekly email.
A lot of bills were passed during the 2022 legislative session, and April 1 was the deadline for Gov. Spencer Cox to sign or veto them. Here are three bills that were signed into law this legislative session that impact wildlife and outdoor recreation in Utah that you should know about.
With the warmer weather, rattlesnakes will begin emerging from their winter dens, and you may encounter one while hiking or spending time outdoors. Rattlesnakes often strike fear in people, but they shouldn't. Knowing a little about how these reptiles behave and doing a few simple things can go a long way in keeping you and the snakes safe.
An almost mythical bird — built for diving and sporting a haunting voice — stops in northeastern Utah during its spring migration, and April is a great time to see them.
In its first six years, the Utah Cutthroat Slam has raised over $68,000 for native cutthroat trout restoration. Anyone interested in participating in the fishing challenge can learn more at the upcoming Wasatch Intermountain Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo, where there will be a booth about the slam and information during a panel event.
Watch the Utah Wildlife Board work session live, beginning Thursday, March 31 at 9 a.m. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the public meetings page.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is once again reminding the public about the dangers and legalities of trying to keep a wild animal as a pet after four raccoons were recently seized from a residence in northeastern Utah.
While COVID-19 was confirmed in white-tailed deer in parts of the U.S. last year, the virus was recently confirmed in mule deer for the first time after the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources submitted samples taken from Utah deer during winter health assessments.
While the bald eagle has long been the national bird of the U.S., the golden eagle officially became Utah's state bird of prey after S.B. 116 was signed by Gov. Spencer Cox on Wednesday.
For the fourth consecutive year, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists are recommending a decrease in the number of general-season deer hunting permits. The DWR is asking for the public's feedback on the recommendations for the number of big game hunting permits for the 2022 seasons, as well as a variety of other big game proposals.
If you have ever wanted to see mountain goats in the wild, there are a few locations around Utah where you may be able to spot them during March and April. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will also be holding two free mountain goat viewing events in the coming weeks.
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