Released dogs can harm wildlife. Wildlife Services wants to protect vulnerable wildlife at this time of year as they have just finished their winter survival phase.
SALT LAKE CITY – Every year, the Wildlife Resources Agency warns people who want to go outside as the snow melts and warmer temperatures arrive that dogs can disrupt the health of wildlife.
If you're planning on taking your dog on a hiking or camping trip this spring and summer, be sure your pet doesn't chase or harass wild animals.
Due to the deep snow that wildlife inhabits, large game animals often have a hard time finding food during the winter. At this time of year, many of these wildlife species become vulnerable and weakened.
It is a dog's natural instinct to chase deer and other large game animals. However, by the end of winter, deer are usually in survival mode, so being chased at this time of year is harmful to them.
“Being chased, especially if you're being chased multiple times, can drain the energy you need to survive this most sensitive time of the year,” said Dax, Utah Department of Wildlife Resources big game coordinator. Mangus said. “Winter has been mild compared to last year, but it is still a delicate time for deer. Their fat stores are often depleted by this time of year, and they often cannot afford to waste energy. Forcing a pet away from an area where it is feeding can be harmful to the animal.”
Large game animals like deer typically move to lower elevations in search of food during the snowy winter months, so they often approach populated urban areas where people and pets may be present. there is.
National forests are also places where people may encounter wildlife during recreation. Pets are allowed in all National Forests, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in developed recreational areas (such as campgrounds) and established interpretive trails. In most other areas of the National Forest, dogs are not required to be leashed, but dog owners are expected to supervise their pets at all times.
“Free-ranging pets are also at risk from cars, mountain biking and other types of recreational use,” said Dave Wittekeend, forest supervisor for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. . “If you're concerned about your pets, you need to keep them safe while you're recreational outdoors.”
Although there are many other areas in the state where dogs are not required to be leashed, pet owners should not let their dogs chase deer, elk, elk, or other wildlife. It can be very harmful to wildlife, but it can also be dangerous to pets.
“Wild animals are often unpredictable and may harm or kill dogs deemed a threat,” Mangas said.
Off-leash dogs can disturb nesting ground birds and chase, injure, or kill small mammals, including deer, elk, and moose.
Utah law prohibits killing or injuring a dog that “attacks, chases, or disturbs protected ungulate wildlife of any kind.”
DWR offers tips to keep your dog safe around wild animals.
- Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date.
- Be aware that moose can be particularly aggressive towards dogs.
- Always supervise your pet when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk.
- If you find a dead animal, move away from the area. It could be a dead animal that the cougar is guarding or returning to.
- Make noise while hiking.
- Don't let your dog “play” with or chase wild animals. It is against Utah law to allow a dog to chase or harass ungulate wildlife.
