Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources reports that they have definitely seen an increased
number of wildlife encounters across the state. The growing population of Utah and the
urban expansion might lead to encounters or animal sightings but not every sighting
needs to be reported. Cougar sightings should be reported if it has killed something in a
neighborhood or yard, it exhibits aggressive behavior, or it appears several times on your
security cameras. Black bears are the only bear species currently found in Utah and
should be reported if it has wandered into lower-elevation areas and is within city limits
or in heavily-populated areas. Moose should also be reported when found in
lower-elevation areas within populated areas because they can become very aggressive,
especially around dogs. Deer are of less concern and only need to be reported if the
animal is acting aggressively. Birds of prey only need to be reported if they are at risk of
being hit by a vehicle, have been in the same spot for over 12 hours, or have an obvious
injury. Learn more at www.wildlife.utah.gov.
