As spring turns to summer, more Draper residents are likely to encounter some of the many wildlife species that make their home in the area. Michael Packer, Conservation Outreach manager with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Officer A. Hurst, at Draper City Animal Control, discussed the variety of wild animals who live in Draper and how people can safely coexist with them. 

Packer referred to Draper as “a beautiful wildland-urban interface.” “Because Draper sits right against the Wasatch Mountains, we share our space with a variety of wild species,” he said.

 Wild animals commonly found in Draper include mule deer, elk and moose along with predators such as cougars, coyotes, bobcats and black bears. Smaller species include porcupines, badgers, raccoons, skunks, squirrels and foxes. Hawks, falcons and other birds of prey make their homes in the Draper area along with many songbirds and water fowl.

“As the snow melts, mule deer and elk begin moving from the lower-elevation foothills back into higher elevations,” Packer said. “This is also when black bears emerge from their winter dens. Migratory birds including sandhill cranes and waterfowl will return. Spring is also ‘baby season’ and many mothers are very protective of their new offspring.” 

Officer A. Hurst explained that people are more likely to encounter predators such as bears, cougars and bobcats on trails in the mountains but that coyotes are common in many Draper neighborhoods. “People think they’re just in the mountains, but they’re all over the valley,” she said, referring to the animals as “urban wildlife.” 

While coyotes are generally not dangerous to humans, the same cannot be said for smaller breeds of dogs, cats and farm animals such as poultry, rabbits and goats. These animals are easy prey for coyotes. Hurst was quick to emphasize that leashing pets is essential in coyote country. 

According to the website of Wild Aware Utah, a state wildlife awareness and safety educational outreach campaign, people can protect their animals from coyotes by supervising pets outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Secure overnight shelter for small livestock is essential as well. 

 Anyone who encounters a coyote should, “Be big and loud,” advised Packer. “Yell, clap your hands or use a whistle.” Putting up fencing and not leaving pet food outside are two strategies to keep coyotes away from private property. 

When it comes to nuisance issues with wild animals, Draper City Animal Control receives the most calls regarding mule deer. “The biggest complaints are about deer in peoples’ yards,” Hurst said. Deer are known to eat plants and can also damage trees by rubbing their antlers on them during rutting season. 

Hurst explained that Draper City Animal Control has a list of deer deterrents to share with members of the public. The most effective way to keep deer off of property is to install a fence that is at least 7 to 8 feet high. Wild Aware Utah advises homeowners to plant native shrubs and plants that can withstand occasional “browsing” by deer and to wrap other landscaping plants in burlap or plastic cylinders to protect them. 

The best rule when coming face to face with any wild animal is to give them plenty of space. “If a deer or elk’s head is held high and it has its ears back with flared nostrils and is stomping their front hooves, that means it’s agitated,” Packer said. “Back away slowly.” 

The unusually mild and dry winter of 2025-26 may herald a hot and dry summer. “If the mountains get too dry, animals like bears and deer may head into residential yards looking for food and water,” he said.

People are often tempted to feed wild animals. This is dangerous in all situations as it makes animals lose their fear of humans. Moreover, the animals can get sick or even die from eating an improper diet. Draper City Code prohibits feeding wild deer, elk or moose on private property. In addition, trash cans should always be secured.  

“The biggest thing is learning to live with wildlife,” Hurst said, adding, “We both mutually live in the area.” 

The goal is to keep both humans and wild animals safe. Being outdoors at dawn and dusk increases the probability of encountering a wild animal. As noted on the Wild Aware Utah website, drivers should be especially observant at these times of day for eyes reflected in headlights to prevent accidents. 

There are many resources for the public to help resolve issues with local wildlife. Hurst explained that Draper City Animal Control refers many calls to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR). The Draper City website advises that in the case of an encounter with aggressive wildlife, UDWR should be notified immediately at 801-538-4700. If the encounter happens after hours or on the weekend, call the Draper Police Department at 801-840-4000. 

The website of Wild Aware Utah, wildawareutah.org, has a plethora of information about local wildlife. The conservation program seeks to change peoples’ attitudes and behavior toward wildlife to minimize conflict. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, the Utah State University Cooperative Extension and other partners created the Wild Aware Utah campaign in 2010 as human development continues to encroach on animal habitats.  

The Wildlife Center of Salt Lake, which opened in 2023, is another resource particularly when it comes to helping injured birds and smaller animals. The Wildlife Center is dedicated to conserving Utah’s wild species. According to their website, they are “permitted by the state to intake, rehabilitate and release native migratory birds and small mammals.” They may be reached at 801-800-1776 or at wildsaltlake.org.