The mighty Wasatch Range, famously known for its endless outdoor recreation opportunities, provides a home to a wide variety of wildlife easily found while exploring the great outdoors. Stretching from the Utah-Idaho border into the center of the state, these forested mountains offer an expansive environment for many species to thrive, many of which are commonly found throughout surrounding Park City area.
When enjoying a peaceful morning or evening out on a Utah trail, be on the lookout for wide-eyed Mule Deer, stoic Rocky Mountain Elk, or even a stately Shiras Moose. The lush forests, streams, and ponds throughout the area make an ideal home for these large mammals. As you approach tall mountain peaks, you might run into Rocky Mountain goats munching on grasses and shrubs, even though they are widely considered a non-native species. Be sure to use precaution on the trails and maintain a safe distance from these animals, especially moose, because they can be skittish and sometimes aggressive.
The Wasatch is also home to many predatory animals. Utah’s largest predator is the black bear which can be found in mountains in spring, summer, or fall. These bears hibernate through the chilly winters. Other predators in the area include scavengers like red fox and coyotes, as well as large cats like bobcats and mountain lions. Although unlikely, if you encounter a mountain lion, stay calm, do not turn your back to the animal, and back away slowly.
Up above in the bright blue Utah skies, you might catch a swooping hawk or an eagle searching for a tasty snack. Depending on the time of year, there might be some unexpected migratory species making their way to the brine shrimp feast in the Great Salt Lake. It isn’t uncommon to find a Sandhill crane, White Pelicans, or even a red-throated loon lingering in the area. Utah can be a birdwatcher’s paradise!
Some smaller, more common critters include chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, gophers, and mice. You might also find some larger rodents like chirping marmots or resourceful porcupines climbing trees. The insects, seeds, flowers, and grasses feed these animals for most of the year, so no matter how cute and friendly, please don’t feed these little guys! Also found low to the ground, a variety of snakes live in the Wasatch Range. Luckily, Park City’s high elevation weeds out rattlesnakes and other poisonous species.
All Seasons Adventures has been connecting people to the outdoors since 2001. Through guided hikes, snowshoeing trips, cross country skiing tours, mountain bike rides, rafting excursions, fly fishing outings, and so much more, we provide opportunities to see Utah’s wildlife and experience all the mountains have to offer. Visit our website or give us a call to set up any of our guided trips. We cannot wait to get you outside!