Harmful algal blooms still present at start of waterfowl hunting season

Oct 3, 2024, 2:15 PM | Updated: 2:19 pm

Officials want to make hunters aware of harmful algal blooms this waterfowl hunting season. (Mark M...

Officials want to make hunters aware of harmful algal blooms this waterfowl hunting season. (Mark McEwen, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

(Mark McEwen, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)

SALT LAKE CITY — Many waterbodies in Utah are under warning and danger advisories due to harmful algal blooms. With waterfowl hunting season starting this week, hunters should be prepared to recognize and avoid such blooms.

Many of Utah’s northern zone waterfowl hunts open on Oct. 5, when hunters will be on the water for the hunt. Officials urge hunters to be aware of contaminated waterbodies ahead of the season.

The Utah Department of Natural Resources reported that as of Sept. 27, there were 24 waterbodies under advisories across Utah. Harmful algal blooms can persist throughout the fall and winter according to the DNR, and could continue to pose a potential threat to humans and pets.

What to look for

“Blooms form when naturally occurring cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, multiply to high densities and form visible water discoloration, scum and mats,” a release from the DNR said.

The blooms are described in the release to “look like pea soup,” spilled paint, grass clippings, or water that has a green or blue-green hue.

The cyanobacteria can produce several kinds of toxins that can affect liver, nerve, and skin tissue. Officials urge that if you suspect a harmful algal bloom in the water, you should stay out of the area and avoid contact.

“Be sure to clean waterfowl and fish well with fresh water, and discard all guts,” the release advised.

Protect your pets

Hunters should actively work to keep their dogs away if they suspect contaminated water, as the toxins have proven to be fatal in pets. The DNR said that dogs can be exposed to toxins by:

  • Skin contact with water or mats that are contaminated with cyanobacteria or toxins,
  • swallowing water,
  • licking the water off their fur or hair,
  • eating algal mats along the edge of the waterbody

The DNR said that the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be posting educational signs in some of its waterfowl management areas to help provide hunters with information regarding the algal blooms.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a harmful algal bloom, the DNR advised you to seek immediate care from your veterinarian. Prevention is the best way to protect your pet.

KSL 5 TV Live

FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise...

Daniella Rivera

‘You are inviting rapists to Utah’: Survivor urges lawmakers to consider consent bill

Year after year, Utah lawmakers have resisted or ignored efforts to close what experts and advocates say is a gap in the state’s sexual assault laws. The lawmaker behind those efforts hopes this year will be different.

11 minutes ago

Over a thousand people filled the state Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to vet...

Shara Park

Thousands gather at Capitol Hill to protest against controversial union bill

Over a thousand people filled the Utah State Capitol rotunda Friday pleading for Gov. Spencer Cox to veto HB267.

16 minutes ago

West Valley City police officers preforming a welfare check at the home of Sha Reh and Bu Meh on De...

Courtney Johns

Did police miss a key opportunity in West Valley family homicide?

KSL Investigators obtained body camera footage that provides insight into how West Valley City police responded to a welfare check the night before police discovered the tragic murder-suicide inside the home. 

46 minutes ago

This photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, shows a small commuter plane t...

Becky Bohrer and Hallie Golden, Associated Press

Missing commuter plane found crashed on Alaska sea ice and all 10 aboard died, authorities say

A small commuter plane that crashed in western Alaska on its way to the hub community of Nome was located Friday on sea ice, and all 10 people on board died, authorities said.

1 hour ago

People stand at the Eielson Visitor Center with a view of North America's tallest peak, Denali, in ...

Associated Press

Alaska Legislature asks Trump to retain Denali’s name instead of change it to Mount McKinley

he Alaska Legislature has passed a resolution urging President Donald Trump to reverse course and retain the name of North America’s tallest peak as Denali rather than change it to Mount McKinley.

2 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Kyle Van Noy Links Up With BYU Football Stars Following Pro Bowl Festivities

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy just wrapped up his first-ever Pro Bowl weekend and met up with two former Cougar stars at a Super Bowl event.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Harmful algal blooms still present at start of waterfowl hunting season