Utah Wildlife Safety: Keeping Your Dog From Disturbing Springtime Animals

We left our window open last night for the first time since last fall. We call it the cat window because our cat uses it to go in and out during the night for her nocturnal activities. It's not just us human kind that can't wait to get outside, our animals have been cooped up, too.

As warmer weather approaches, Utahns are eager to spend more time outdoors, and we want to take our dogs with us. But state officials urge caution for those bringing dogs along on hikes or camping trips. Letting dogs chase or harass wildlife is not only harmful to animals—it could also put pets in danger and potentially lead to legal consequences.

Many big game species, including deer, are especially vulnerable during early spring. After enduring winter with limited food resources, these animals are often in survival mode. “If they get chased — especially if it happens again and again — it uses up energy they may need to survive these sensitive times of year,” said Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus in a press release. “Their fat storage is often depleted by this time of year, and they often can’t afford to waste energy.”

Wildlife like deer and elk tend to migrate to lower elevations and south-facing slopes in the spring, often bringing them closer to populated areas and trails. While dogs are welcome in national forests, regulations require them to be leashed in developed recreation areas and on designated trails. In other parts of the forest, they must be under 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,” said Dave Whittekiend, forest supervisor for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. “If you care about your pets, you should keep them secured while you are recreating outdoors.”

Letting dogs chase wildlife is also illegal in Utah. Under state law, a person may injure or kill a dog that is seen attacking or harassing hoofed wildlife.

Get our free mobile app

For their safety and that of wild animals, pet owners are reminded to supervise their dogs at all times and prevent any interaction with wildlife.