Utah Wildlife News
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.
Bear conflicts may increase during drought years; here's how to stay safe
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Black bears are the only species of bear in Utah, and they live and roam across much of the state. The likelihood of conflicts with bears often increases during drought years when a bear's normal food supply is decreased, leading them to seek alternate food sources.
First case of avian flu in wild birds in Utah confirmed; DWR asks public not to touch dead birds
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While highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in domestic birds in Utah last month, the first case of the virus in a wild bird was recently confirmed after a dead great horned owl tested positive.
DWR again making proactive fish stocking changes to minimize drought impacts
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With almost half of Utah still experiencing extreme drought conditions and with Gov. Spencer Cox's recent drought emergency order, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has again implemented proactive measures to help minimize drought impacts to Utah's fisheries.
Don't feed deer or other wildlife due to public safety concerns, health of animals
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Utah DWR officials are reminding the public not to feed deer or other wildlife. While it is not illegal to feed wildlife — except for in certain cities that have enacted no feeding ordinances — there are several reasons that it is highly discouraged, including public safety concerns, the spread of chronic wasting disease among deer, elk and moose, and potential harm to wildlife from introducing foods not in their diets, particularly during winter months.
DWR stocks more than 9.6 million fish throughout Utah in 2021
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In an effort to enhance fishing and boost native fish populations, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources stocks a variety of fish species throughout Utah every year. In 2021, the DWR worked to proactively change its fish stocking to help more fish survive during the extreme drought.
When you should report a wildlife sighting/encounter
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Utah's growing population and related expansion have increased the number of wildlife encounters across the state in recent years. However, not every encounter or animal sighting needs to be reported to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Enjoy discounts at Lee Kay Public Shooting Range during 40th anniversary celebration
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The Lee Kay Public Shooting Range has been educating people about gun safety and offering a safe space to practice archery and firearm target shooting for over 40 years.
What anglers should know about fishing during a drought year
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Drought impacts many things, including fish and wildlife species. If you are planning some fishing trips this summer, here are a few things to consider before you head out.
DWR announces camping closure for part of Middle Fork WMA from Jan. 1-Sept. 9
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Trash, vandalism, drug use, domestic violence and habitat degradation are among the reasons the Utah DWR has decided to close overnight camping on part of the Middle Fork Wildlife Management Area, effective immediately.
DWR stocks more than 8.2 million fish throughout Utah in 2020
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In 2020, the DWR stocked 8,241,139 fish into 626 local waterbodies. That's a total of 1,170,330 pounds of fish!