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.
Utah Wildlife Board approves increases in hunting, fishing license and permit fees due to rising costs; Utah Legislature to vote on them next
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The Utah Wildlife Board approved a fee increase for hunting and fishing licenses and permits — for both residents and non-residents — in an effort to keep up with increased rising costs of operation, and also approved a few additional items during the public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 25.
Tips to decrease impacts to fish when catch-and-release fishing during hot summer months
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With excessive heat warnings in effect across much of the state this week, many Utahns may be heading to nearby lakes or mountains to escape the heat. If your outdoor plans include fishing, here are some important tips to decrease stress to the fish and increase their chance of survival, if you plan to release them.
How to keep deer out of your garden and other drought-related wildlife tips
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The ongoing drought may lead to more wildlife traveling into Utah neighborhoods in search of food and water. Whether you want to keep the deer from eating all your garden vegetables and flowers or whether you're interested in ways to help wildlife during this hot, dry summer, here are a few things you should know.
Avian flu confirmed in wild foxes in 2 Utah cities
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The first case of avian flu in wild birds was confirmed last month in Cache County, and now the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has confirmed the virus has spread to two foxes.
Tips to minimize impacts to fish when fishing at a lake, reservoir during a drought
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With extreme drought conditions still impacting much of the state, many Utahns are making changes to reduce their water use. If you are planning some fishing trips to any lakes or reservoirs this summer, here are a few changes you can make to help the fish, as well.
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.
Golden eagle named Utah's state bird of prey
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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, March 23.
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.