See wild bighorn sheep at DWR viewing event

See wild bighorn sheep at DWR viewing event

(Division of Wildlife Resources)


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SUNNYSIDE, Carbon County — If you’ve ever wanted to see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the wild, you will have a good opportunity on June 13.

Division of Wildlife Resources biologists are hosting the event in Sunnyside, where they said more than a dozen bighorn sheep have been living since last winter. Two of the rams in the herd are wearing radio transmitters which help biologists locate and track the herd, according to a DWR news release.

"Bighorn sheep are social, so it's likely that the rams that are wearing the transmitters will be near other sheep,” DWR regional conservation outreach manager Brent Stettler said in the news release. “If we can see one or both of the rams, there's a good chance we'll be able to see some of the other rams too."

The free wildlife viewing event will be held from 6:30 p.m. to dusk to give people a better opportunity to see the animals.

"Bighorns are most visible in the evening," Stettler said in the news release. "When the temperature cools down, the sheep start feeding and drinking water. That's why we're holding the event later in the day. Your chance of seeing sheep at the event is far better than it will be on your own.”

DWR biologists will be at the event to answer questions and suggest the best locations to view the bighorn sheep. They asked that pet dogs be left at home, as they can disturb and scare the sheep.

In the 1960s, because of overhunting, disease and predation, Utah’s sheep population was down to a few desert bighorn in the San Juan area. Through an intense rebuilding program by the DWR and supporting hunting groups, the sheep numbers have recovered. The current total Utah sheep population — desert, Rocky Mountain and California bighorn — is estimated to be around 4,500 animals, DWR reported last year.

To get to Sunnyside, travel southeast on U.S. 6 to its junction with state Route 123 — the East Carbon-Sunnyside junction. Turn east on Route 123 and follow it into Sunnyside. Once you're in town, signs will guide you to the viewing area.

Division of Wildlife Resources

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Faith Heaton Jolley

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