It’s winter time and a grumbling belly overrides the feelings of wariness most wild animals demonstrate around humans other times of the year. Deer, elk and even moose have been easily seen this winter happily grazing in snow covered pastures and hayfields, yards and orchards, but have also been decimating any hay stack they can get into as well. Deep snow and extreme cold temperatures are definitely having an effect on wildlife in the Uinta Basin, this winter.
Moose sightings are becoming a common occurrence in Whiterocks, Farm Creek, Lapoint, Neola and even Roosevelt this winter as the moose find their way closer to farms and towns where vegetation might be more readily available. “I’ve seen more moose this winter than I’ve ever seen in my lifetime.” One excited Farm Creek resident admitted. Whiterocks residents are waking up to moose breakfast get togethers in their front yards as well. “I see the same guy every morning.” Says Corinna. “He’s only got one antler left and I see him in my yard pretty much every day and sometimes in the evenings. He likes my trees.”
One moose in particular has discovered a wonderful buffet on the Roosevelt golf course, munching on the various and well-established trees along the course. Homeowners near the golf course are having fun videoing the moose and taking pictures of it. It’s hungry so it’s sticking around and posing for pictures, too.
Luckily for the animals they are all well equipped to withstand extreme cold temperatures and have excellent tools for digging in the snow in the way of strong hooves and legs, but it’s just hard to resist an easy meal when the snow is three feet deep. DWR landowner specialist, Keith Holt, has reported that this winter has been one of the hardest winters in 10 or 15 years, but discourages residents from providing food for deer and elk. Disease can be easily spread when deer and elk congregate in large numbers.
The winter season is an excellent time to take a Sunday drive to see some wildlife in the Basin. Grab your camera and be on the lookout for deer, elk, moose (and even bison if you’re heading south of town out to the Bookcliffs). And don’t forget to send us some of your best snaps.
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| Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Rook |
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| Photo Courtesy of Dax Mangus |
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| Photo Courtesy of Gayle Olsen |
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| Photo Courtesy of Carrie Mair |
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