Wildlife blog
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Practiced in the art of deception

Aside from humans, I'm unaware of another species with more potential to transform the landscape around them than beavers. A wide variety of wildlife species, as well as humans, are drawn to the rich and dynamic wildlife habitats created by beavers.

Bear cubs head back to the wild

Many bear cubs are orphaned each year in Utah. Some lose their mothers to forest fires, while others are orphaned by vehicle-bear collisions or other human-related conflicts.

Roping deer from ponds: just another day at work

Here's a story about teamwork to save a deer that attempted to get a drink in a lined pond, and ended up stuck. Last week, I received a call from our new Landowner Specialist, Mike Wardle, asking if I could help him get a deer out of a pond.

Ptarmigan genetics in the Uintas and beyond

Prior to 1974, there had been occasional reports of ptarmigan in the Uinta Mountains; however, Division biologists were unable to confirm the sightings or locate resident ptarmigan in the Uintas, despite what appeared to be abundant habitat.

Highway wildlife crossings

The State of Utah has done some remarkable work in addressing wildlife needs along Utah's roadways, especially during the past decade. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) is working alongside the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to identify critical hotspots throughout the state where wildlife mitigation features are needed.

Big game archery hunting: worth a shot

I remember during summer break in high school, my friends excitedly talking about the upcoming archery deer hunt. They made it sound like a special event and it piqued my interest. They were kind enough to invite me along on their hunt, help me learn how to shoot a bow and teach me the many facets of archery.

Pelicans at Strawberry Reservoir: what do they eat?

Anglers spend 1.5 million hours a year on Strawberry Reservoir, one of Utah's most popular fishing spots. Anglers are not the only ones attracted by the fish; the reservoir has become a favorite fishing spot for American white pelicans. In the spring, flocks of up to 500 birds can be seen gathering at the reservoir's tributaries.

Middle Fork Sheep Creek: a success story in the making

As a cutthroat trout biologist for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), a big part of my job is balancing conservation of our native trout species with providing an excellent sport fishery for our anglers.

Grabbing geese from airboats

Our airboat pilot spied a goose and swerved, accelerating over the water towards the lone bird. As we approached, the goose honked in surprise – or possibly avian outrage – and slipped underwater in an attempt to escape. Leaning over the bow of the airboat, I was able to pluck the bird from the water. He joined his fellow geese in a wooden containment crate strapped to the boat.

What's with the wipers?

Wipers are a sterile cross between striped bass and white bass and were first introduced to Utah in the early 1990s. The current state record is more than 11 pounds and was caught in New Castle Reservoir in 2015. Besides being fun to catch and great to eat, wipers have become an important management tool for the DWR.
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