Big Horn Sheep Update

[rmekemson]

This topic could fit under a variety of headings.  I chose "Hot Topics" due to the nature of the information.

In 1980 there were about 750 Nelson Bighorn Sheep in the Mount Baldy/Cucamonga, Cattle Canyon, San Gabriel River and East and Middle Fork herds.  Now there are no more than 25 individuals in each herd; and the entire population is now numbered at approximately 90 in the entire San Gabriel Mountains range.

The United States Forest Service has added these beautiful animals to the "sensitive" list.  This is the initial categorization; and could be placed on the federal government's "threatened" or "endangered" species list in the future.  

I thought I would bring this to the forum's attention with the intent of increasing the awareness of the plight of these fascinating animals.  If you see a herd, or even a single individual, you may report the sighting by coming to Grassy Hollow Visitor Center or the Big Pines Information Center.

Let's all hope they may increase their numbers as they are a vital and integral part of the biology of the San Gabriels.

[Wrightwood]

Elmer,
The Nelson Bighorn Sheep in the San Gabriel Mountains is an issue that WrightwoodCalif.com takes a great interest in. In fact a number of residents have volunteered for a Department of Fish and Game (DFG) program to help save the Bighorn Sheep.

The number of 90 Nelson Bighorn Sheep is estimated. The last aerial survey, by helicopter was actually done 2 years ago (I believe) and was around 60 Bighorns. The estimate of 90 comes from the assumption that they couldn't spot all the sheep. With that being said, no one currently knows how many actual Bighorn Sheep exist in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Our interest in DFG volunteer program for the Nelson Bighorn Sheep has lead to the development of a website dedicated to the issue.

It can be seen at http://www.NelsonBighorn.com

The web page is limited on content right now while it's being developed.

A good part of the new DFG program is getting the public involved with filling out sighting forms when certain wildlife is spotted in the San Gabriel Mountains. These DFG forms will be made available at numerous locations including USFS visitor centers. Another place that sighting forms will be available is from our new website above. There will be forms available to be printed or an online form that may be submitted.
Of particular interest to the DFG biologists are sightings of Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions or feral dogs.

The DFG is looking for additional volunteers to help with this program. If you're interested look at the Link at the top of the page that says "How Can I Help?".

Elmer,
Does the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center or the Big Pines Information Center have any DFG forms yet?

[rmekemson]

Yes, the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center does in fact have the DFG forms.  To the best of my knowledge there have been no sightings reported through us lately.  Most prior reports came from travellers on highway 2 west of Vincent Gap.  The recent highway closing has obviously impacted the number of potential observers and their chances.

As far as census numbers go...Whenever a visitor comes to the center and they ask questions about numbers of animals we always preface the answer with the time of the census and the degree of reliability.  Some folks seem to think USFS folks go out in the hills with a clipboard and count each individual animal as they come through a turnstile on a regular basis.

[Wrightwood]

The first photo gallery has been added to our NelsonBighorn.com website.

http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/bighorn/gallery/galleries.htm

[Mountain_Witch]

Wow! Great looking site so far and I just love that picture of the bobcat taking down the bighorn. Sad for the bighorn but bobcats gotta eat too.  

[rmekemson]

Wrightwood, I just checked out the Bighorn (one word  ) site.  It's great to know there are more and more resources out there to increase the public's awareness of their surroundings and the creatures that share our habitat.  You're doing a terrific job there!