Deer fawns and elk calves are often born in June, which is why they may be seen during outdoor adventures in early summer. Photo: Utah DWR.
SALT LAKE CITY — Extreme drought conditions this year are expected to push wildlife into neighborhoods this summer as animals search for food and water, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
Whether you want to protect your garden vegetables and flowers or are looking for ways to help wildlife through the heat, the DWR has guidance on both fronts.
Protecting your yard and garden
For residents hoping to save their plants and minimize property damage, wildlife officials recommend a few proven strategies.
Similar Reads On TownLift
Building an 8-foot fence around your garden or yard is the most effective way to keep deer out and is often the only reliable option. Installing a motion-activated sprinkler is another fairly effective option. You can also try planting unpalatable vegetation around the perimeter of your garden to deter deer from venturing further inside.
Visit the DWR website for deer-friendly landscaping ideas and wildlife-friendly fencing tips if you live in an area frequented by big game animals.
Why you should not feed wildlife
While it may be tempting to leave out food or water for hungry animals during a dry summer, wildlife officials strongly discourage the practice. Feeding wildlife raises public safety concerns, can spread chronic wasting disease among deer, elk and moose, and may harm animals by introducing foods outside their natural diets.
Feeding wildlife is not illegal in most areas, though some cities have enacted no-feeding ordinances.
“The best way you can help wildlife is by letting animals stay wild,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle said. “Don’t approach them, and don’t try to feed them. Often people’s good intentions wind up doing more harm than good for the wildlife. It can also be really dangerous when deer, moose or bears become habituated and lose their fear of people.”
When to report wildlife sightings
Residents who spot wildlife behaving abnormally or causing a safety concern should contact the nearest DWR office. Here is a guide to when reports are warranted:
Deer and elk: Report any that appear sickly, injured or are acting aggressively.
Moose: Report a moose that has wandered into lower-elevation areas and is within city limits or a heavily populated community.
Cougars: Report any cougar that has made a kill in a neighborhood or yard, or is exhibiting aggressive or threatening behavior.
Bears: Contact the DWR only if a bear in a residential area within the foothills or canyons is being aggressive or getting into trash, fruit trees or causing damage. Always report a bear that has wandered into a campground or a lower-elevation area and is within city limits or in a heavily populated community.
Similar Reads On TownLift
Comments are closed.