Jeremy Ranch Lifestyle
Tips & Tricks
Some overlooked aspects of being a Park City local is the importance of water conservation and wildlife safety. We are lucky to be apart of this beautiful community and by following these tips you can help keep Park City green. Also keep yourself and our neighborly animals safe by following the wildlife interaction tips!
Water Conservation Laws
- Although it’s disguised by the beautiful green trees and the plentiful snow in the winter, Utah is in fact a desert state. Wildfires are not uncommon but there are some ways we can help. Such as obeying the fire laws, following the watering schedule, and using mindful water conservation.
Watering Schedule
- In order to conserve water, a limited resource in Utah, outside watering of lawns and landscaped areas using City water will be restricted to every other day from May 1 to September 30. Outside watering at even-numbered street addresses shall be limited to even-numbered days of the month and outside watering at odd-numbered addresses shall be limited to odd-numbered days of the month. Hours of outside watering shall be restricted to between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Exceptions to these outside watering restrictions may be permitted, in writing, by the Water Manager for new landscaping or seeding.
Tips for Utah’s Dry climate
- Check your plumbing fixtures for leaks and promptly have them fixed if you discover any.
- Install low-flow fixtures such as showerheads, faucets, and washing machines that only use as much water as needed.
- Wash your clothes and dishes on a full load.
- Take shorter showers. In a 10-minute shower, you’ll most likely use 21 gallons.
- Turn off the tap when it’s not needed.
- Plant drought-resistant shrubs that require little water and use a layer of mulch to avoid evaporation.
- Try going with a smaller lawn or eliminating it completely because it takes a lot of water to maintain.
- Hold off on watering in the spring and turn sprinklers off in the fall.
- Invest in technology such as weather-based irrigation controllers.
Interacting with animals
- Bears
Even though they are nocturnal and dormant in the winter, stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk.
In wooded areas make noise
It is important to secure scented food especially because bears will come back to where they have found food in the past.
If you encounter a bear, talk to it and pick the kids up if you are with any. Back away slowly but do not run.
- Beavers
Avoid encounters. If they feel threatened, they will stand their ground and could possibly attack.
- Bobcats
Although encounters are rare, in the unlikely event, protect your children and pets while backing away from the bobcat slowly. Avoid running and make lots of noise. If available to you, spray the animal with water.
- Coyotes & Foxes
Coyotes and foxes normally feed on small mammals so if you have small dogs or cats make sure they are supervised when outside. They also eat trash and pet food so it is a good idea to rid of all food attractants, trim vegetation, and possibly get a motion light if coyotes are becoming problematic. Overall they are normally not dangerous but following these steps can avoid any unwanted interactions.
- Elk
It is not uncommon to see Elk in Park City. In the summer they live quite high and migrate lower in the winter. If you encounter an elk, keep your distance and keep in mind the signs of an agitated elk: ears back and stomping hooves.
- Mountain Lions
If you encounter a mountain lion or cougar, never run or turn your back to them. Running might provoke their prey response so the best thing to do is to make yourself look bigger. Some ways to do this is by raising your bike or opening your jacket. Make eye contact, pick up children and in the rare event you are attacked, fight back and protect your neck and head.
- Mule Deer
Don’t allow your dogs to harass deer because it is actually illegal. At night, drive slowly to avoid hitting a deer. Keep your distance and don’t ever feed them.
- Moose
Know moose can be aggressive especially if it is with her calf or it is during fall breeding. Give moose lots of space and back off slowly. Know the signs of aggression: hair standing up on the neck, snout licking, or ears back. Calmly talk to the moose and if you are charged, run and hide behind a tree and protect your head.
- Skunks
Skunks only have problems with humans if they find food or shelter near human development. In this case, call a licensed professional and if your dog has been sprayed, several remedies can be found online.
- Snakes
If you encounter a rattlesnake, do not harass or harm the snake and keep 5 feet away.
