Destinations

Wildlife

Utah Wildlife

There are many different types and sizes of wildlife in Utah. Visitors love getting out and exploring and if you're lucky, you may run into some beautiful creatures at a safe distance. It is important to always be prepared for what you may encounter and know how to best handle the varying wildlife situations where ever you find yourself.

These are just some of the large animals or birds that are found in the state of Utah.

  • American Black Bear
  • American White Pelican
  • Bison
  • Elk
  • Golden Eagle
  • Moose
  • Mountain Lion (Cougar)
  • Pronghorn Antelope
  • Trumpeter Swan

The American Black Bear is a species of bear found in Utah. They are typically found in forested areas and can weigh between 200-600 pounds. They are omnivorous and their diet can include berries, fruits, and insects, as well as larger animals. They are generally shy and avoid contact with humans. Read about a Utah Grizzly Bear story.

The American White Pelican is a large water bird that is found in Utah. They have a wingspan of up to 9 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds. They are known for their large bill and pouches that they use to scoop up fish. They are typically found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and marshes.

Bison are large, grazing animals that are native to Utah. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and stand up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder. They have a shaggy brown coat and a distinctive hump on their shoulders. They are known for their powerful build and can run up to 40 miles per hour.

Elk are large mammals that are found in Utah. They can weigh up to 600 pounds and stand up to 5 feet tall at the shoulder. They have a reddish-brown coat and large antlers that they use to defend themselves. They are known for their bugling call during mating season.  The Golden eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in Utah. They have a wingspan of up to 7 feet and
can weigh up to 14 pounds. They have a distinctive golden-brown plumage on their head and tail. They are known for their powerful talons and sharp beak, which they use to hunt and catch prey such as small mammals and reptiles.

Moose are large mammals that are found in Utah. They can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and stand up to 6.5 feet tall at the shoulder. They have a dark brown coat and large antlers that they use to defend themselves. They are known for their long legs and are great swimmers, they are also known to be aggressive.

Mountain Lions are large carnivorous mammals that are found in Utah. They can weigh up to 150 pounds and can be up to 8 feet long. They have a tawny brown coat and a distinctive long tail. They are solitary animals and are known for their stealth and agility. They are also known as cougars or pumas.

Pronghorn are ungulate mammals that are found in Utah. They can weigh up to 150 pounds and stand up to 4 feet tall at the shoulder. They have a tan-colored coat with white underparts and a distinctive black and white face. They are known for their speed and endurance and can run up to 60 miles per hour.

Trumpeter Swans are large water birds that are found in Utah. They have a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds. They have a white plumage and a long black bill. They are known for their distinctive trumpeting call and are the largest native waterfowl in Utah.

Wild Horses are found in several regions of Utah, including the Onaqui Mountain Herd Management Area and the Sulphur Herd Management Area. These horses are descendants of domesticated horses brought over by Spanish colonizers in the 16th century and are considered "feral" as they are not domesticated. The wild horse population in Utah is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure their protection and to prevent overpopulation and overgrazing. The BLM uses a variety of methods, such as sterilization and adoption programs, to regulate the wild horse population. Wild horses in Utah are a popular tourist attraction and are known for their beauty, strength, and freedom. They are also an important part of the state's cultural and historical heritage.  Overall, wild horses in Utah continue to be a source of fascination and their future management and preservation remain important topics of discussion.

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