Situated at a wildland-urban interface, the mountain community of Pinebrook is terrain for a wide range of wildlife including moose, elk, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, bears, raccoons, porcupine, fox, and coyotes to name several. Pinebrook is also terrain for hawks, owls, turkey vultures, and myriad songbirds and other wild birds. Just as we need to be fire-wise in Pinebrook, we also need to be wildlife-wise. One helpful resource for information on how to handle wildlife encounters is Wild Aware Utah. Also …
- While hiking and biking always be alert for wildlife.
- Backpack and bike bells can help alert wildlife that you’re coming through.
- Keep your dog(s) on a leash (per Summit County rules & regulations).
- Be particularly alert for wildlife near water sources.
- Never feed wildlife.
- Never chase, threaten, tease or approach a wild animal for any reason.
- If you encounter a wild animal: (1) avoid eye contact, (2) slowly back away, (3) do not turn your back on an animal, and (4) give the animal wide berth.
- Never get between a mother and its young.
- Wild animals tend to migrate between their summer and winter habitats in the spring and fall, so watch out for more animals crossing roadways during the spring and fall.
There are more injuries due to moose encounters than any other wild animal in North America. Moose are prevalent in Pinebrook and can be encountered anywhere in our community. Never feed or attempt to get close to a moose to photograph or capture them on video. If you encounter a moose do not threaten them, give the animal a wide berth. Never get between a cow and her calf. If a moose does charge you, get behind a tree or bush and stay still. If under attack, curl up in a ball and cover your head.
Although it is rare, bears have been known to wander into Pinebrook neighborhoods. Utah only has black bears. They can exhibit various colors including black, brown, blond, cinnamon and rust. Like all wild animals, Utah’s black bears can be dangerous if they lose their fear of humans. Bears are attracted to waste bins, bird feeders, and pet food. Never feed or attempt to get close to a bear to photograph or capture them on video. Please do your part to ensure that a bear that has wandered into Pinebrook does not lose its fear of humans otherwise it will be either relocated or in some cases, destroyed, to protect public safety.
If you encounter a black bear stay calm. Do make your presence known by making noise, yell, clap your hands, bang metallic objects together or throw rocks to scare it away. Never approach a bear or let it approach you. If it does approach you, retreat slowly by walking backwards. Never turn and run away. Make yourself appear as large as you can. If you are attacked by a black bear and cannot get away, fight back, kick, scream and yell; be as aggressive as possible. If you observe threatening behavior by a bear notify the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources at 801-538-4700.
Mountain Lion Encounter
Although it is rare, mountain lions have been spotted in the Pinebrook area, as well, although most sightings are at higher elevations in the Wasatch Mountains. Never attempt to get close to one of these big cats to photograph or capture them on video. Stay on the trails and you are less likely to encounter mountain lions. If you encounter a mountain lion, make yourself as BIG as you can, make noise and be prepared to fight back.
Other Wild Animal Encounters
Most wildlife actively try to avoid contact with the humans that they encounter. Never feed or attempt to get close to these wild animals to photograph or capture them on video. Make sure you do not get between a mother and its young for all wild animals. Follow the recommendations provided earlier in this wildlife information.