SALT LAKE CITY —Waterfowl hunters beware the Division of Wildlife Resources is warning there are still algae blooms on many of the water bodies in the state.
DWR wants hunters getting out on the water across the state to harvest migrating geese and ducks should be as prepared to recognize and avoid harmful algal blooms on some Utah waterbodies.
As of Tuesday, Oct. 4, the organization has identified 16 waterbodies currently under warning advisory, and one waterbody under danger advisory across Utah. The Utah Division of Water Quality stopped monitoring algal blooms as temperatures continue to decrease and weather conditions worsen during the fall and winter. Harmful algal blooms can persist throughout the fall and winter and continue to pose a potential threat to humans and pets.
At the end of September some active advisories will be lifted, and signs and website posts will start to come down said Utah Department of Environmental Quality Communications Director Ashley Sumner said.
“However, it’s essential to know that these blooms can continue in colder weather,” she said. “People should know what to look for, and when in doubt, keep your pets and hunting dogs out of the water.”
Algae blooms form when naturally occurring cyanobacteria known as blue-green algae, multiply to high densities and form visible water discoloration, scum and mats. Those algal blooms can look like pea soup, spilled paint, grass clippings or water that has a green or blue-green hue.
Cyanobacteria generally produces several kinds of toxins that can affect liver, nerve and skin tissue. Stay out of the water and avoid any contact with water or scum. carefully clean waterfowl and fish well with fresh water and discard all guts.
Hunting dogs should also be kept away from harmful algal blooms, as the toxins have proved to be fatal in pets. Dogs exposed to toxins by skin contact with water that is contaminated with toxins, by swallowing water or by licking the water off their fur or hair should be taken immediately to a veterinarian to be treated.
Even with proper veterinary care, most animals that are exposure to the toxins will most likely die. Prevention is the best way to protect your pet.
DWR would like hunters who see a suspected harmful algal blooms to report it to DWQ by calling 801-536-4123. Find more information about harmful algal blooms at habs.utah.gov.
Waterfowl hunters should also take precautions against avian influenza while hunting in Utah this fall. Find more information about avian flu and how to protect yourself and your hunting dogs on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources website.