All dogs walking in Parleys Historic Nature Park must now be leashed to protect the herd of elk that has taken up residence there, according to an order issued this week by Salt Lake City’s mayor.
Off-leash dogs are “disturbing the herd, creating safety and health concerns for the animals and people,” the order issued Thursday by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall states.
The elk are not regular residents of the park at 2667 Heritage Way, but, according to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the animals have been driven down out of the canyons because this year’s snowfall has made it difficult for them to find food. Dozens of elk are now wintering in the park.
The elk also have, at times, endangered themselves and snarled traffic in the Interstate 80/Interstate 215 interchange area just north of the park. Several have been struck by vehicles and killed.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A large herd of elk once again spotted near the mouth of Parleys Canyon prompts warning signs for motorists on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.
An adult male elk is about 5 feet tall and weighs about 700 pounds; an adult female is about 4½ feet tall and weighs about 500 pounds, according to Wild Aware Utah.
It’s illegal for dog owners to allow their pets to chase and harass big-game animals, including elk. And it also can be dangerous for the dogs, according to the wildlife division, because “wildlife is often unpredictable and may injure or kill a dog seen as threatening.”
All dogs are prohibited on the South Loop Trail and other protected areas within Parleys Historic Nature Park. The emergency order mandating leashes applies to areas where dogs are allowed.
The order will remain in effect until the end of the Arctic Temperatures Local Emergency, which is currently set for April 30.