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.
Brine shrimp officially named Utah's state crustacean
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The brine shrimp has officially joined the ranks of Utah state symbols after Gov. Spencer Cox signed H.B. 137 on March 17, 2023, formally designating the brine shrimp as the state crustacean.
DWR implements emergency deer feeding in parts of northern Utah, due to deep snow and poor deer condition
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DWR implements emergency deer feeding in parts of northern Utah, due to deep snow and poor deer condition
DWR stocks more than 8.2 million fish throughout Utah in 2022
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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 2022, the DWR again proactively changed its fish stocking to help more fish survive during the ongoing drought.
Utah Cutthroat Slam reaches 1,000 completions, announces new medallions
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The 1,000th completion of the Utah Cutthroat Slam took place on Sept. 12, marking a huge milestone for the fishing challenge that helps fund conservation efforts for native cutthroat trout in Utah.
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.