Utah wildlife officials warn off-leash dogs can harm vulnerable spring wildlife

Keeping dogs on leash on trails protects wildlife and pets, according to recent DWR release. Photo: Courtesy of Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

UTAH — Spring trail season is almost here, albeit quite early, in Utah, and wildlife officials have a reminder for dog owners hitting the trails with their four-legged hiking partners.

Utah big game animals often struggle to find food during the winter, so by early spring many animals are weak. Dogs that are off leash while in nature may act on their instincts to chase deer and other big game animals they see, though that puts stress on the already vulnerable animals, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

“If deer get chased — especially if it happens again and again — it uses up energy reserves they may need to survive these sensitive times of year,” DWR Big Game Coordinator Mike Wardle said. “While we had a fairly mild winter this year, this is still a tough time of year for deer. Their fat storage is often depleted by now, 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.”

Deer and other big game animals typically move to lower elevations and south-facing slopes as they seek out new vegetation growth this time of year, which can bring them closer to roads and other populated urban areas where they are more likely to come into contact with people and pets.

While pets are allowed in all national forests, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet while in developed recreation areas, campsites, and on established trails. Most other areas within national forests do not require dogs to be on a leash, but they must be under the owner’s 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,” Kelly Orr, forest supervisor for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, said. “If you care about your pets, you should keep them secured while you are recreating outdoors.”

Park City is considered a widely dog-friendly area, and there are many off-leash areas within the town and surrounding areas.

While these areas exist, pet owners should never let their dogs chase deer, elk, moose, or other wild animals. Officials warn chasing animals can be harmful not only for the wildlife but also can be dangerous for the pet.

“Wildlife is often unpredictable and may injure or kill a dog seen as threatening,” Wardle said.

Dogs that are off leash can also disturb nesting ground birds and can chase, injure, or kill small mammals, deer, elk or moose. Last year, the Willow Creek pond was closed after multiple reports of dogs chasing mallards.

Utah law states that a person may kill or injure a dog that is “attacking, chasing or worrying any species of hoofed protected wildlife.”

Here are some tips from Wild Aware Utah about 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.