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.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be treating parts of Clear Creek and Fish Creek in an effort to help restore native Bonneville cutthroat trout in those areas, which are part of the fish species' native range.
Law enforcement officers and technicians with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other agencies had a busy weekend working to inspect and decontaminate boats across the state to prevent invasive quagga mussels in Lake Powell from spreading to other Utah waterbodies.
Due to recent rain storms decreasing the wildfire risk for several areas of Utah, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has removed its temporary ban on campfires and recreational target shooting with a firearm on most of its wildlife management areas.
In September and October, kokanee salmon — which are a shade of silver most of the year — change to a bright red before they travel up rivers and streams to spawn. The males also acquire humped backs, hooked jaws and elongated teeth. Here are several spots around Utah where you can see bright red kokanee.
The Utah Wildlife Board approved several changes to 2021–22 cougar and bobcat hunting seasons and also approved some additional cow elk hunting permits and a few other items during Thursday's public meeting. The board's goal in approving the additional elk permits was to decrease conflicts and damage occurring on agricultural properties and other habitat areas affected by Utah's severe drought conditions.
Watch the Utah Wildlife Board meeting live on YouTube, beginning Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the public meetings page.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing some changes to the use of trail cameras and other technology used in hunting and a few changes to fishing regulations, as well as some additional items, and is seeking the public's feedback.
In an effort to restore the trout fishery at Navajo Lake — and rid the waterbody of its overwhelming Utah chub population — the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is considering a rotenone treatment later this fall. Before that fishery reset occurs, the DWR wants to meet with the public, explain the treatment process and answer questions about the proposed project.
The Book Cliffs is a well-known hunting area in northeastern Utah. In recent years, though, deer, livestock and other animals in the area have struggled due to ongoing drought conditions limiting water sources and habitat, which provides shelter and feed. A group that comprises Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists and several state and federal agencies, conservation groups, universities and landowners has been working to address those issues.
Utah Department of Natural Resources Director Brian Steed named Justin ("J") Shirley as the new director for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, effective Saturday, Aug. 21.
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