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Running With The Bighorn Sheep In Yosemite National Park

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By NPT Staff - December 18th, 2015
Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep being released in Yosemite National Park/NPS

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep being released in Yosemite National Park between March 26 and March 29, 2015/NPS

Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are the rarest mountain sheep in North America. After the population dropped to around 100 animals in 1995, this unique sub-species was listed as an endangered species. In the spring of 2015, these charismatic animals were released into the heart of Yosemite National Park for the first time in over 100 years.

This, the latest edition of Yosemite Nature Notes by videographer Steve Bumgardner, features stunning footage of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, interviews with wildlife biologists, and a special focus on the re-introduction of these magnificent animals to the Cathedral Range in Yosemite National Park.

The Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep is the only federally endangered mammal in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon. This animal was listed in 2000 after the population plunged to a low of about 100 individuals. The population has since increased to over 600, which marks an important milestone towards their recovery. Prior to the arrival of western settlers, which brought unregulated hunting and diseases in their livestock, bighorn sheep populations likely numbered in the thousands.

In order to bolster the population of bighorn sheep, as part of a multi-year recovery effort, Yosemite National Park worked with several other agencies on reintroducing bighorn sheep to Yosemite’s backcountry. Working collaboratively with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the Inyo National Forest, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ten ewes (females) and three rams (males) were moved to the Cathedral Range in Yosemite National Park in March of this year. The “Bighorn Sheep” Yosemite Nature Notes episode features rare footage of the recovery effort, including the capture and release.

Overall, the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep are doing well. Wildlife biologists conduct periodic field surveys and all of the animals are equipped with GPS collars. Lambs were born in early summer and the herd is adapting well to their new surroundings.

Comments

Submitted by Rick B. on December 19, 2015 - 12:28am.

That's a lot of hard work of many people, multiple agencies, and I think a rebound up to 600 from a low of 100 is remarkable.


Submitted by Amber Kemble on December 20, 2015 - 5:29pm.

i hope to see a sheep in Yosemite in my lifetime!  Great effort at correcting the mistakes from many years ago.  


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