Details: Last Updated: Thursday, September 5, 2024, 11:48 am

Man watching wildlife through a spotting scope

Tips and resources for viewing wildlife

Wildlife is all around us, from your backyard to Utah's most remote places

Knowing more about where to look, how to look and what you are looking for can help make your wildlife watching experience a successful one.

Learn more about where to see Utah's fish and wildlife year-round — and how to do so safely!

Where to look for wildlife

Where and when to spot more birds, mammals, reptiles and more!

Plan your wildlife watching adventure:

Utah state parks and recreation areas
DWR facilities and waterfowl/wildlife management areas:
- George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center
- Hardware Wildlife Education Center
- Lee Kay Wildlife Conservation Area
- Wildlife/waterfowl management areas (not all are open to the public; seasonal closures may apply)
National Park Service sites in Utah
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges

Listen to DWR WILD podcast episodes about Utah wildlife:

How to look for wildlife

Wildlife viewing safety, ethics, equipment and photography tips

Be aware

Always view wildlife from a safe distance.
Move slowly and quietly.
Keep your dog leashed or leave pets at home.
Don't feed wildlife — human food is harmful to many species!
Maintain a safe distance and don't touch or pick up wildlife, especially baby animals.
Keep your eyes on the road! Slow down and find a safe spot to pull over before viewing or photographing wildlife.
Let animals move freely — never chase, follow or corner wildlife in pursuit of a photo.
Watch your step! Use caution in steep, slippery or rocky areas.

Pro tip:

"Be patient. Allow wildlife to 'do their thing.' The best photographers are always willing to wait for the right shot."

— Phil Tuttle, award-winning DWR videographer

Be ethical

Protect young animals by avoiding nests or dens.
Take nothing but pictures — leave what you find for others to enjoy.
Use all your senses to find birds and wildlife. Do not use recorded calls.
Protect plants and wildlife — stay on established routes and trails, park only in designated areas and respect closures.
Do not trespass on private property.
Avoid flying drones near wildlife, especially animals that are nesting, raising young or breeding.
Pack out all your food and trash.

Pro tip:

"When you share pictures, use very general descriptions. Don't geotag nests, dens or sighting locations."

— Alyssa Hoeskstra, DWR Native Herpetology Program Coordinator

Boy viewing birds through a spotting scopein a clear blue sky at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Be prepared

Use binoculars or a spotting scope for a closer view.
Use a telephoto lens for your camera, or boost your phone's camera by capturing images through a spotting scope.
Avoid using a flash, which can disturb or startle animals — use infrared lighting for low-light conditions.
Viewing platforms, blinds and pull-outs often provide great places to photograph wildlife.
Identify what you are seeing using a field guide or download an ID app.
Be aware of laws for operating drones — it is illegal to fly drones in wilderness areas, national parks and many other public lands.
During hunting season, wear hunter orange and be aware of your surroundings.

Pro tip:

"Learn more about the species you want to watch. Understanding wildlife behavior and habitat increases the chance you'll spot them in the wild."

— Ashley Kijowski, DWR Coordinator, Eccles Wildlife Education Center

Listen to DWR WILD podcast episodes: