Outdoor notes

CO WARNINGS

Several cases of carbon monoxide poisoning in recent weeks have prompted the National Park Service and Utah State Parks to increase education and awareness of CO dangers.

Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless but can kill in a matter of seconds. Early symptoms of CO poisoning include irritated eyes, headache, nausea and dizziness. Prolonged exposure to low CO concentrations or very short exposure to high concentration levels can lead to death.

Anyone with CO poisoning symptoms should be given fresh air and medical attention, and if necessary install a CO detector in each accommodation space on a boat.

For a CO Danger Brochure and additional information, call 877-UT-PARKS or visit stateparks.utah.gov to download or request a printed copy.

STATE PARK CONDITIONS

All but one boat ramp at Utah's state parks are open, but water temperatures do vary. The report this week shows temperatures range from 58 degrees at Bear Lake to 90 at the Great Salt Lake.

Among the more popular waters, Jordanelle is 67, East Canyon is 65, Deer Creek is 69 and Strawberry and Flaming Gorge are 65. The ramp at Huntington State Park is closed.

Because of low water levels there are some hazards at Willard Bay, so boaters need to use caution.

Camping, pavilion and boat slip reservations are available by calling 801-322-3770 or 1-800-322-3770 from outside the Salt Lake area.

COW ELK PERMITS

Those cow elk permits not taken in the antlerless draw will be made available to sportsmen on July 26.

Utah hunters can have two elk permits, but at least one must be a cow elk permit.

Those eligible include:

• Those who obtained a cow elk permit in the draw can obtain a second.

• Those with a bull elk or a hunter's choice elk permit can also have a cow permit.

• Those who haven't obtained any elk permits can obtain two cow elk permits.

The permits will be available from more than 350 hunting license agents across Utah and at DWR offices.

Permits will also be available at the Web site and at DWR offices starting at 8 a.m.

Most of the permits will be for hunts that occur mostly on private land. So, before buying a permit hunters are encourage to get written permission from a landowner.

A permits list is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/hunting.

BEAR AWARE CLASS

The Bear River Center in Brigham City will hold a "Bear Aware" class for interested persons on Aug. 4. The class will be given by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.

Topics will be biology, behaviors, populations and how to be safe in bear country. A special kid-friendly slide presentation will be given.