Park City boasts some of the best trails in the West, the nation and possible the world. 400-plus miles of them, in fact.
Once the snow melts, many who call the town home or a vacation spot get out in the summer sun for some biking, running and walking. Many even take their furry friends with them.
But when out on the trails, it’s also not uncommon to bump into some of the Wasatch Back’s wildlife. Animals roaming these mountains and the town are often relatively non-threatening, like deer and elk. But, there’s a chance you could also run into animals like bobcats, bears and more.
Here’s how you’re going to want to be prepared, should a moose, bobcat or bear come into your path while out on the trails this summer, according to Wild Aware Utah.
The only bears you’ll possibly be encountering out on the trails this summer are black bears. So, if you see a brown appearing bear out there, don’t fret and think it’s a grizzly.
Outside of seeing them directly, you can notice their presence through large paw marks or droppings. Most of Utah’s black bears prefer high-elevation forests like those the Park City area provides.
Black bears love scavenging for food, so if there’s open food lying around, they could be lurking. It’s best to keep food and other pungent items sealed.
If you have a close encounter with a black bear, it’s best to make yourself appear as big and imposing as possible. Often, they may rise, make a noise and keep moseying onward. Bear spray or other tools can help fend off an attacking bear, but you cannot outrun or climb it.
Another predator, albeit much smaller, that likes to call Park City home are bobcats. Unlike the black bears that are mostly in Utah’s high-altitude forests, bobcats are everywhere from deserts to forests to grasslands.
While bobcats are mostly only active at dusk, they can pop out occasionally to breed or feed during the day. Their smaller, claw-less paw marks can give them away.
It’s important, when you think bobcats may be nearby, to grab hold of your dog. While bobcats are smaller (10-30 pounds) and typically incapable of causing serious harm to humans, they can kill pets. They’ve become quite comfortable hiding and being around humans, seeking any type of smaller prey they can get their paws on.
Even more dangerous than bobcats can be cougars. Also known as mountain lions, they obviously are more prevalent up in the mountains.
Cougars will go after deer, elk and other small prey. Like bobcats, they’re often most active at dusk. They can be dangerous to pets and small children. It’s best to recreate in groups in areas where there could be cougars.
Keep food and items with strong scents sealed. Leave areas with dead animals, as they could be cougar kills they plant to return for. If you spot a cougar, try to make eye contact, appear as big as possible and slowly back away.
Often, cougars will leave if you’re imposing enough, but if you get into a fight, protect your head and neck.
While not predators, moose can be extremely dangerous if provoked. They weigh 800-1,200 pounds, and they are quick.
There are thousands of moose in the mountains, and they are often moving about. Those with calves can be very active and protective in the spring. Bull moose (antlers) can be aggressive during the fall mating season.
It’s important to keep pets away from moose, as the parties aren’t going to get along. Signs of a moose about to become aggressive are the moose lowering its head, licking its nose and pinning its ears back.
If you encounter a moose on the trails, make noise to alert it of your presence and back away in the same direction you came. If it chases after you, get behind a tree or something sturdy and cover your head until it leaves.
Last but certainly not least are the unsuspecting snakes of Utah. While the area doesn’t have nearly as many as neighboring Nevada or Arizona, Park City does have snakes, including rattlesnakes.
You can spot snakes nearby by their winding marks in dirt or shed skin. They’re most active during the summer, especially at dusk.
While most snakes aren’t dangerous, you can sometimes spot the venomous ones by their more vertical pupils. Rattlesnakes make a distinct rattle when nearby.
If you encounter a snake out on the trails, leave it be, as most bites occur when messing with them. Always try to wear closed-toe shoes, and if bitten, take off tight jewelry, keep the area below the level of the heart and get them medical attention — even if you don’t think it’s venomous.
For further information on any local wildlife you may run into on the trails, see Wild Aware Utah’s website. If you are in immediate danger or seriously injured on the trails and need immediate assistance, always call 911.