Backcountry Skiers Asked To Respect Bighorn Sheep Inside Grand Teton National Park

"Tell your peeps to watch for sheep! Share the range with the Tetons' original mountaineers. Bighorn sheep have worked hard to survive the winter at high elevation. By late winter, their fat reserves are running thin and every bit of energy counts. Giving them space will help them make it through the final weeks of winter."

"Disturbing bighorn sheep can force them to flee into deep snow, wasting valuable energy they need to survive the winter. Observe from a distance to help ensure these animals remain healthy throughout the coldest months. Protect these iconic residents and keep the Tetons wild!"

Bighorn sheep in Grand Teton National Park are specially adapted alpine animals that depend on wind-scoured slopes with shallow snow during winter for survival. By late winter, their fat reserves become critically depleted, making every calorie essential for survival through the final weeks. Backcountry skiers and snowboarders should avoid approaching or chasing sheep, move quietly when present, and maintain substantial distance. Disturbing sheep forces them to flee into deep snow, wasting vital energy reserves. Grand Teton recommends downloading critical habitat maps, respecting closures and conservation zones, giving sheep ample space, and reporting sightings to support these iconic residents' survival.

Read at Unofficial Networks