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Utah Probing E. Coli Contamination Report At National Park

Prairie dogs to blame for E. Coli outbreak in Bryce Canyon National Park
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Utah Prairie Dog

Utah authorities are investigating reports of drinking water contaminated by E. coli linked to prairie dogs at Bryce Canyon National Park, but say tests so far show it's clean.

The sheriff near the iconic park that saw 2.5 million visitors last year said Tuesday county leaders are alarmed about contamination reports linked to feces from nearby prairie dogs.

Garfield County Sheriff Danny Perkins says it could threaten public health, especially in high-water years when more debris enters the water supply.

State drinking water officials say they plan to review the water system this week, but it's passed all recent monthly tests.

Utah Department of Environmental Quality Division of Drinking Water director Marie Owens says the state has no evidence of contamination.

National park staff did not immediately return a message seeking comment.