As waterfowl hunting season approaches in Utah, hunters are busy preparing their gear, from ammunition to decoys, and finding the perfect spots to set up. This weekend, northern zones will open their annual hunts, while southern zones will follow on October 12th. However, as hunters focus on their usual preparations, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) want to ensure everyone is also aware of another important issue: harmful algal blooms (HABs). At this time, 24 waterbodies in the state are under warning and danger advisories for harmful algal blooms.

Earlier this year, a tragic story surfaced when a family dog died after coming into contact with an algal bloom at a Utah lake. While some might argue that the loss of a pet pales in comparison to larger natural disasters like those dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, for families who experience such a loss, the emotional void is significant. The DWR and DEQ stress the importance of recognizing and avoiding harmful algal blooms, not just during summer, but also throughout the fall and winter months. While the state will stop monitoring blooms on October 31st, these toxic blooms can persist long after the weather cools.

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Harmful algal blooms are caused by cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, which can produce toxins harmful to both humans and animals. These blooms often resemble pea soup, spilled paint, or grass clippings floating on the water. In some cases, they may create scum or mats along the edges of waterbodies. Contact with these blooms can cause severe health issues, affecting liver, nerve, and skin tissue.

For waterfowl hunters, it's especially important to keep hunting dogs away from suspected algal blooms. Dogs can be exposed through skin contact with contaminated water or mats, by swallowing the water, or by licking algae from their fur. Unfortunately, exposure to these toxins is often fatal for pets, even with veterinary intervention. Preventing contact with these blooms is the best way to protect your pets.

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Hunters are encouraged to clean waterfowl and fish thoroughly with fresh water and to discard any guts to reduce exposure to toxins. The DWR will be posting educational signs in various waterfowl management areas to help hunters identify harmful algal blooms. If you suspect your pet has come into contact with an algal bloom, seek veterinary care immediately.

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For more information or to report a harmful algal bloom, contact the Utah Division of Water Quality at 801-536-4123, or visit habs.utah.gov.

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