Utah Division of Wildlife Resources urges dog owners to keep pets leashed this spring

Photo: Unsplash // Wade Austin Ellis

'Wildlife is often unpredictable and may injure or kill a dog seen as threatening,' said Dax Mangus

UTAH — Spring is coming, and for many, that means more time outdoors with man’s best friend. Officials with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) are urging dog owners to take precautions while recreating this spring in order to protect both their pets and local wildlife.

According to a press release from the DWR, big game animals often struggle to find food in the winter, making them particularly vulnerable and weak come spring. Deer and other big game typically move to lower elevations in search of food during the winter months, bringing them closer to roads and other populated areas.

If an off-leash dog chases a big game animal, that animal is forced to use energy that they need in order to survive. Chasing can also cause injury or stress that weakens the animal, making them more susceptible to predators or disease.

“If they get chased — especially if it happens again and again — it uses up energy they may need to survive those sensitive times of year,” said Dax Mangus, big game coordinator for the DWR. “While we had a milder winter than last year, this is still a sensitive time of year for deer. Their fat storage is often depleted by this time of year, and they often can’t afford to waste energy. If you or a pet force them to move away from where they are trying to feed, it could be harmful for that animal.”

Free-roaming dogs can also disturb ground birds and other small mammals. Wild animals are unpredictable, and can injure or kill another animal they see as threatening.

However, wildlife does not pose the only risk to unleashed pets. Loose animals are also likely to encounter other recreators. Under Utah State Code, it is actually legal for any person to kill or injure a dog who is attacking “hoofed protected wildlife.”

“Pets allowed to run at large also are at risk 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.”

The DWR provided the following tips from Wild Aware Utah for keeping your dogs safe around wildlife:

• Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date.

• Be aware that moose can be especially aggressive toward dogs.

• Always supervise pets when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.

• If you find an animal carcass, leave the area — it could be a kill that a cougar is guarding or will be returning to.

• Make noise while hiking.

• Do not allow dogs to “play with” or chase wildlife. It is against Utah law to allow dogs to chase or harass hoofed wildlife.