The Elusive Bighorn Sheep: Tips for Spotting These Majestic Creatures

An Unforgettable Encounter in Icehouse Canyon

During a quiet moment in Icehouse Canyon near Mt. Baldy, my friend Bob and I found ourselves captivated by the sounds of nature when rocks suddenly tumbled nearby. Instantly, our serenity was replaced with curiosity as we scanned the steep canyon walls for movement.

“Is it deer?” Bob pondered aloud.

“Could they be rams?” I mused. “Or maybe mountain goats?”

Bob declared it was time to start packing binoculars for our future hikes. (Spoiler alert: we never did.)

After reviewing my shaky video multiple times, I concluded we had been fortunate enough to spot bighorn sheep—an exciting first for me. This encounter left me wondering how other hikers could increase their odds of witnessing these elusive ungulates in their natural habitat.

Insight from an Expert: Dr. John D. Wehausen

To gain deeper insight into bighorn sheep, I spoke with Dr. John D. Wehausen, an applied population ecologist with over 51 years of experience studying these remarkable animals. During our conversation, he posed a question, “How many populations of bighorn sheep do you think we have in California?”

I confidently guessed seven, but Dr. Wehausen informed me that California boasts 60 populations of desert bighorns alone, with even more in the Sierra Nevada. He emphasized just how challenging it is to see these animals in the wild.

He shared fascinating facts:

1. California’s Subspecies:

   • The state has two main subspecies of bighorn sheep: the desert bighorns and the Sierra Nevada bighorns. About 600,000 years ago, these two diverged and adapted to their respective environments.

2. Survival Skills:

   • Remarkably, bighorn sheep can go months without direct water, obtaining necessary moisture from the plants they consume.

3. Re-emergence of Populations:

   • Dr. Wehausen’s niece recently discovered a population of bighorn sheep thought to be extinct! Scientists believed they had perished due to the massive snowfall of the previous winter.

4. Misattributions:

   • Interestingly, California does not have native mountain goats, a fact often mistaken by many outdoors enthusiasts.

Tips for Spotting Bighorn Sheep

Having established newfound respect for these resilient creatures, here’s how to increase your chances of spotting them during your hikes.

1. Understand Their Habitat

• Desert bighorn typically reside below the lowest tree line, while their Sierra counterparts thrive above the tree line. Their positioning provides better visibility against potential predators. Look for local hot spots, especially:

• Icehouse Canyon

• The Mt. Baldy area

• Between Piru and along the Pacific Crest Trail

2. Keep Your Voice Down

• Bighorns have exceptional eyesight, described by Dr. Wehausen as “like us with binoculars.” When you’re in a hiking group, chances are high that they’ve spotted you before you see them.

3. Scan for Water Sources

• The summer heat often drives desert bighorn sheep to water sources, making this a prime time for sightings. Setting up near a water source provides a high likelihood of encountering them as they come and go.

• Notable areas include Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Lytle Creek.

4. Look for Shade

• During the heat of the day, bighorns often seek shelter under trees. Joining them in the shade can significantly increase your chances of spotting them resting.

5. Master Binoculars

• Dr. Wehausen hosts informative field seminars where he teaches how to spot bighorn sheep using binoculars. Developing a “search image”—an understanding of what to look for—will enable you to spot them more easily with your naked eye.

6. Listen for Vocalizations

• While Sierra sheep are generally quiet, desert bighorns vocalize, especially during lambing season. Pay attention to any bleats, as this could signal the presence of sheep nearby.

Observing Responsibly

By respecting their space and employing these strategies, you’ll not only improve your chances of spotting bighorn sheep but also gain greater appreciation for their resilience. Remember to share your photos if you capture any encounters—I’d love to see them!

Happy adventuring, and may your hikes lead you to magnificent wildlife encounters!