SALT LAKE CITY —The weather is warming up and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources wants to remind people who hike with dogs and other pets to make sure they are on a leash. And most of all, do not let their pet chase or harass any wildlife.
Big game animals in Utah often struggle to find food during the winter and by early spring, many of these wildlife species are vulnerable and weak. Dogs that are off leash while in nature may act on their instincts to chase deer and other big game animals. A well fed and cared for dog could cause harm for the deer because by the end of winter, they are usually in survival mode.
Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle said if deer get chased, especially if it happens again and again, it uses up energy reserves they may need to survive these sensitive times of year.
“While we had a fairly mild winter this year, this is still a tough time of year for deer. Their fat storage is often depleted by now, and they often can’t afford to waste energy,” he said. “If you or a pet force them to move away from where they are trying to feed, it could be harmful for that animal.”
Big game animals including deer typically move to lower elevations and south-facing slopes as they seek out new vegetation growth this time of year, bringing them closer to roads and other populated urban areas where people and pets may be.
National forests are areas where people may encounter wildlife while recreating. Pets are allowed in all national forests, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet in developed recreation areas and on established, interpretive trails. Most of the other areas within national forests dogs must be under the owner’s control at all times.
“Pets allowed to run at large also are at risk of injury from vehicles, mountain bikes and other types of recreation use,” Kelly Orr, forest supervisor for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, said. “If you care about your pets, you should keep them secured while you are recreating outdoors.”
While there are many other areas throughout the state where dogs aren’t required to stay on a leash, pet owners should never let their dogs chase deer, elk, moose or other wild animals. It can be harmful not only for the wildlife, but also can be dangerous for your pet.
“Wildlife is often unpredictable and may injure or kill a dog seen as threatening,” Wardle said. “Dogs that are off leash can also disturb nesting ground birds and can chase, injure or kill small mammals, deer, elk or moose. Utah law states a person may kill or injure a dog that is attacking, chasing or worrying any species of hoofed protected wildlife.”
Here are some other tips about keeping dogs safe around wildlife:
- Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.
- Be aware that moose can be especially aggressive toward dogs.
- Always supervise pets when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- If you find an animal carcass, leave the area — it could be a kill that a cougar is guarding or will be returning to.
- Make noise while hiking.
- Do not allow dogs to “play with” or chase wildlife. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass hoofed wildlife.