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SALT LAKE CITY — 2024 was a banner year for volunteers helping benefit wildlife in Utah, with volunteers in the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Dedicated Hunter Program completing 1,473 projects — more than double the number of projects completed the year before.

The morning of January 7, 2025, was nothing short of eventful when the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources received multiple reports that morning of a bald eagle that had been hit off of 3500 west in Vernal. A conservation officer responded shortly after and transported the bird a wildlife rehabilitation center. At this rehabilitation center the animal’s health had been assessed where it was determined that due to the birds severe injuries it had to be euthanized. “During the winter months, it is common for eagles and other raptors to feed on roadkill on the sides of the road. We want to remind drivers to stay alert and to watch for wildlife when traveling on Utah’s roadways,” said the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. When driving in the winter months it is essential to keep alert and aware, as well as be sure to not drive distracted. Using these precautions can help prevent an accident or injury. When you come across an animal on the road slow down, do not drive through multiple animals in the roadway, and do not swerve for deer or small animals slow down and stay in your lane. If you hit an animal do not continue to drive, pull over and call 911, turn on your hazard lights, and submit a report.

On November 10, 2024, the Bureau of Land Management discovered climbing bolts that had been installed on a petroglyph. The Pregnant Sheep Petroglyph Panel, located near Musket Shot Springs Overlook is a protected area under the 1979 Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA). The area features prehistoric carvings of humans and animal figures. “The installation of these bolts constitutes an unauthorized alteration of a registered archeological site prohibited under the ARPA. Such actions cause irreversible damage by removing pieces of the rock, thereby diminishing the visual and cultural integrity of the petroglyphs,” said JD Mallory with the Utah BLM. These petroglyphs known as “classic Vernal Style” are associated with the Fremont culture which occupied the Uinta Basin from 500-1300 AD estimating them to be around 1500-700 years old, though there is no way to know for sure. “Installing climbing bolts on federal land is not prohibited, and BLM provides numerous opportunities for rock climbing on BLM-administered lands, including some wilderness areas. However, climbing bolts may not be installed where prohibited by other laws, such as the ARPA, as was the situation in this case,” said BLM. Utah BLM encourages safe and respectful public land enjoyment. What was done here was blatant vandalism. BLM aims to minimize these types of incidents in the future. It is encouraged to help protect these archaeological features for future generations to enjoy and learn about.