ALL NEWS

Utah reports 1,056 animals illegally poached last year across state

Jan 12, 2021, 8:51 AM

Utah Wildlife animals poached...

Photo: Randall Thacker / DWR 2018

SALT LAKE CITY — Conservation officers with the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources reported on Monday that a total of 1,056 animals were illegally poached in 2020.

While the number of poached animals dropped slightly in Utah from 2019, when the agency reported 1,080 animals illegally killed, the number of other citations rose.

“The overall number of violations detected by DWR conservation officers last year (this includes citations for unlawful take and wanton destruction) was 4,760, compared to 3,525 violations in 2019,” they reported.

“We need your help,” DWR Capt. Wyatt Bubak said. “Each animal that is illegally killed in our state is one less animal for legal hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and everyday citizens to enjoy.” 

“Poachers steal our ability to enjoy Utah’s wildlife.”

During 2020 the DWR suspended the hunting and fishing privileges of 35 people this year.

Vandalism on the rise

Out of the 4,760 citations issued by the state agency, 773 of those citations were for “wanton destruction.”

This comes after a summer where state and national park rangers reported a flood of increased activity in state and national parks as people looked for ways to socially distance themselves.

With that increase also came a rash of vandals.


Dave & Dujanovic: Monolith removed from desert likely a good thing, says lawyer


Zion National Park chief ranger Daniel Fagergren described what he called miles of graffiti in southern Utah. “[It’s] more graffiti than I have ever seen before. It’s all over, and we’re trying to get ahead of it.”

Last month during a patrol of The Narrows one ranger collected more than 14 pounds of waste, nine of which was human feces

“The graffiti was the worst I’ve ever seen, it seemed like the entire stretch I walked had something left on the rock,” Ranger John said. “All in all, I … cleaned probably 1,000 handprints or etchings in less than a mile.”

How to report poached animals in Utah

The DWR asks that anyone who sees suspicious hunting activity to call their 24-hour hotline at 1-800-662-DEER (3337) or to report the activity online. Violators may face steep fines or revocation of hunting privileges, which can apply in other states as well. 

At the National Parks, you can call or text the ISB tip line at 888-653-0009 or  submit a tip online.


Utah State Parks annual pass fee increased

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

The steel frame of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sits on top of the container ship Dali after the br...

Nick Perry

Baltimore bridge collapse puts the highly specialized role of ship’s pilot under the spotlight

The highly specialized role — in which a pilot temporarily takes control of a ship from its regular captain — is coming under the spotlight this week.

5 hours ago

Shopping carts are parked outside a Home Depot in Philadelphia...

MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

Home Depot buying supplier to professional contractors in a deal valued at about $18.25 billion

Home Depot will buy SRS Distribution, a materials provider for professionals, in a deal valued at approximately $18.25 billion.

6 hours ago

Killer Mike poses in the press room with three trophies he won at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on ...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Recent Grammy winners highlight Ogden Twilight Concert Series lineup

Hip hop star Michael Render, known by his stage name Killer Mike, fresh off of three Grammy Award wins last month, is one of several musical artists set to headline this year's Ogden Twilight Concert Series.

7 hours ago

"Burn Book," by longtime Silicon Valley reporter Kara Swisher is seen, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, in Sa...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Telling tales about tech bros

Kara Swisher’s new book paints an ugly picture of Silicon Valley.

9 hours ago

pets...

Curt Gresseth

Don’t surrender pets to a shelter. Send in a pro to reverse bad behavior, says Utah trainer

An expert discusses controlling the unwanted behavior of pets.

9 hours ago

Exclusive video obtained by KSL NewsRadio shows Salt Lake hit-and-run in the Avenues neighborhood. ...

Eric Cabrera

WATCH: Exclusive video shows woman survives Salt Lake City hit and run

KSL NewsRadio has exclusively obtained footage of a Salt Lake City hit-and-run, where a woman was struck while out for a run in the Avenues.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah reports 1,056 animals illegally poached last year across state