The Division of Wildlife Resources makes a firm request every spring: if you are enjoying the great outdoors with your dog, please make sure that your pet doesn’t chase or harass the wildlife. Due to deep snow, Utah big game animals often struggle to find food during the winter and by early spring, the wildlife species are vulnerable and weak. “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,” shares DWR Big Game Coordinator Dax Mangus. “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.” 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 like campsites and on established trails. Most of the 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.
