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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.

12,147 boats inspected for quagga mussels during 24th of July weekend

Law enforcement officers and technicians for the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and other agencies had a hot, busy weekend working to inspect and decontaminate boats across the state. This intensive effort focused on preventing the invasive quagga mussels in Lake Powell from spreading to other Utah waterbodies.

What to do if you find a bat in your house

Though most Utahns probably associate bats with fall and the Halloween season, you shouldn't be surprised if you find one in your home during the summer months. Utahns may see more bats this time of year because the baby bats (also called pups) are learning to fly and leaving their roosts for the first time. Here's what you should know about bats in Utah and what to do if you encounter them.

DWR recommends changes to 2021–22 cougar hunts

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is proposing a few changes to 2021–22 cougar and bobcat hunting seasons and is seeking the public's feedback on the recommendations.

See some of North America's smallest birds up close at hummingbird banding event

If you've been outside this summer, you've most likely witnessed a few hummingbirds eating at a feeder or visiting some other nectaring spot for a midday meal. If you want to see these incredible birds up close though, you should consider attending an upcoming Utah Division of Wildlife Resources event.

DWR asking Utahns to report otter sightings

In an effort to learn more about where river otters are located throughout Utah in order to better manage the species, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is asking the public to report any otter sightings.

2 new members named to the Utah Wildlife Board

Two new members were recently confirmed to the seven-member Utah Wildlife Board and will help approve the rules and regulations regarding hunting, fishing and wildlife management in the state.

How to stay safe around bison

With summer in full swing, many Utahns are heading to the outdoors for recreation. While you are hiking or camping this year, particularly on Antelope Island, there are some important safety tips you should keep in mind if you encounter a bison.

Razorback suckers may be reclassified as threatened under ESA; Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve project helping the fish recover

Due to a lot of hard work and partnerships among several state and federal organizations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to reclassify the status of the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. A recently completed project at the Scott and Norma Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab is playing a big role in helping this unique fish species to recover.

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