Wild Aware Utah (WAU) is a collaborative wildlife awareness and safety outreach project. It is an educational program, not an organization.
The Wild Aware Utah program (WAU) is a non-advocacy conservation program from Utah's Hogle Zoo, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, USU Cooperative Extension and others who have collaborated to provide proactive education to help minimize conflict between people and wild animals. WAU materials and information are fact-based, neutral and applicable throughout the state. WAU will provide simple gui
08/05/2026
Looking for a fun way to cool off with the kids and learn about wildlife safety? 🦌🦫🫎 Come visit with us at Alta Ski Area this Friday (Aug. 7) as we participate in the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation Kids’ Day! This event is free, but registration is required. Learn more and register today: https://bit.ly/4hMgB8X
05/15/2026
Join us for Wild Aware Utah Day at Utah's Hogle Zoo tomorrow — we have a great day planned! See all the details here: bit.ly/WAU_Day
05/07/2026
Don’t miss Wild Aware Utah Day on Saturday, May 16 at Utah's Hogle Zoo!
Wild Aware Utah Day https://www.hoglezoo.org/upcoming-events/wild-aware-utah-day/
05/01/2026
Join us for Wild Aware Utah Day at Utah's Hogle Zoo! It’s happening Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. and will focus on:
🐻 Being aware of wildlife
⛺ Camping, hiking and recreating safely
🔎 Identifying wildlife
🚨 Preventing human/wildlife conflicts
Learn more about this fun event: https://bit.ly/WAUevents
04/24/2026
Want to know more about living alongside wildlife in Utah? Join the conversation at a free panel discussion on Monday, April 27, in Park City. Learn more and reserve your spot: bit.ly/roots_of_conservation
03/31/2026
While out for a neighborhood stroll to enjoy the blossoms, you spot a baby bird on the ground. 👀 What should you do? 🐣
This is actually fairly common in springtime when some young birds tumble out of their nests before they can fly. Here’s what to do:
🪺 If the bird is very small and still featherless, you should place it back in its nest or on a branch, safely out of reach of dogs and cats. 🐶🐱
🪺 If the bird has feathers, leave it where you found it. This is a fledgling — it already has most of its flight feathers and is very close to taking its first flight. 🪽
🪺 Don’t feed the bird. Feeding them something that is not part of their diet can kill them.
🪺 Don’t disturb or move bird nests with eggs in them. 🥚 This is unlawful, and you can be cited for doing so.
🪺 Is it a baby duck? 🦆 We also recommend that you don't move it or try to put it in water. Baby ducks should be left alone, unless they are trapped somewhere dangerous, like in a storm drain or swimming pool.
See more tips on how you can help baby birds this time of year: https://bit.ly/4c2TOl3
As the weather warms up, you may be venturing outdoors more! ☀️🥾🚵 Rattlesnakes are also on the move and ready to soak up the sun. Don’t let this deter you from getting outside — check out these simple rattlesnake safety tips:
🐍 Rattlesnakes are protected under Utah law, making it illegal to harass or kill one. Snake bites are quite rare, and harassing or trying to illegally kill the snake greatly increases the risk of being bitten.
🐍 When you’re out hiking, make sure to watch the trail ahead of you and check carefully before stepping over rocks, reaching onto ledges or sitting down on a rock or log.
🐍 If you do encounter a rattlesnake, remain calm and stay at least 10 feet from the snake. Make sure to give it plenty of space. If the snake is in the middle of the trail, step off the trail and go around it.
🐍 Do not throw anything at the snake (rocks, sticks, etc.). Rattlesnakes may move toward you as they attempt to flee.
🐍 Alert other people to the snake’s location. Advise them to use caution and to avoid getting close to the snake. Keep children and pets away.
🐍 If you hear a rattle, try to locate where the sound is coming from before you react, so you don’t step closer to the snake or on top of it.
🐍 To avoid conflicts between dogs and rattlesnakes, keeping your dog on a leash is highly recommended — especially when you hike during the late spring and early summer months.
See more information on rattlesnake safety: bit.ly/4ssa1XC
02/05/2026
Skunks are active in Utah year-round, and their spray packs quite a punch! 🦨🤢
If you encounter a skunk, you should:
🚫 Never feed it or try to approach it. Observe skunks from at least 20 feet away.
🚫 If the skunk begins to show warning behaviors, such as tail-lifting and stomping, leave the area slowly and quietly.
🚫 If you are sprayed, flush your eyes with water and wash your skin with carbolic soap and water. Wash your clothes with vinegar.
For additional skunk safety tips — including steps you can take to protect your pets and property — see https://bit.ly/skunk_tips
01/16/2026
Moose sometimes wander into Utah’s towns and neighborhoods during the winter months. Do you know what to do if you see one?
🫎 Contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources if it’s within city limits or a heavily populated area.
🫎 Don’t approach it or try to “herd” it out of your yard or the road.
🫎 Secure your pets, especially dogs. A moose will kick and stomp them.
Learn more about moose behavior and review other important safety tips: https://bit.ly/moosetips