Living With Wildlife: New Resource Hub From Swaner Preserve

Living in Park City means sharing more than beautiful mountain views with neighbors — it means sharing habitat with an incredible array of wildlife. From the wetlands of Swaner Preserve to neighborhoods of Park City, encounters with deer, beavers, birds, and other critters are part of everyday life. 

Because we see wildlife so often here, Swaner’s new Living with Wildlife webpage brings together tips and tools to  keep people and animals safe. It’s practical information for those who may not know where to turn when they spot an injured animal, discover beaver activity in their yard, or simply want to understand how to minimize human-wildlife conflicts. 

One of the key sections focuses on wildlife safety — pointing to broader Utah resources that explain how to avoid risky encounters and protect pets and property. It connects users with Wild Aware Utah’s guidance on staying safe in wildlife country. If you’re looking for something to listen to, the page links to a series of educational webinars that Swaner has hosted over the past several years. Some topics include living near large predators, wildlife crossing roadways, moose, and even potguts (formally known as Uinta ground squirrels).

The page also helps Park City residents know what to do if they find an injured animal and the nearest licensed rehabilitation center, because Swaner itself is not a wildlife hospital. The page includes a flow chart from the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association on what to do when you spot an injured bird or mammal. If the flow chart prompts you to call a wildlife rehabilitator, then we recommend contacting our friends at Wasatch Wildlife Conservation Center, so the animal gets the help it needs.

Beavers, in particular, get a special highlight on this page. As one of our favorite animals at Swaner, these ecosystem engineers are essential for wetland health, but their dams and tree-chewing habits can sometimes cause frustration . The resources listed offer creative approaches for protecting trees and managing beaver activity without harm — and point to expert information from the Beaver Institute and other amazing organizations for further reading. 

Seeing wildlife as we step out our front door is part of what makes Park City such a special place. With that privilege comes the responsibility to learn how to live thoughtfully alongside the animals who share this landscape with us. We’re excited to introduce this Living with Wildlife resource page — a growing collection we’ll continue to update with new information and tools over time. To stay in the loop as additional resource pages go live, webinar registration opens, and other happenings unfold at our little nature center, sign up for Swaner’s monthly newsletter. Happy trails!