The Mighty Bighorn

 

 

I stood motionless, afraid to even blink let alone breathe.

 

His bulbous eye focused on the off-colored rock sitting before him. His 220-pound frame was sleek and well-defined but nothing compared to what it would be in a few months when he bulked up to begin defending his right to breed. The Rocky Mountain bighorn ram standing before me was already a fine specimen, he was soon going to be a fierce competitor as well. Imagining the thunderous clap resounding from his mighty horns as he beat down his rivals, I had little doubt he would maintain his bloodline this coming breeding season.

So went my first encounter with New Mexico's largest wild sheep. You can imagine my surprise as I learned about this majestic animal and its struggle to maintain a foothold in the rocky and wild places it calls home. As an invited member to a big horn sheep management meeting, my first priority was to gather as much information about the animal as possible. As a wildlife biologist, I have managed numerous species of big game animals, but this was going to be my first foray with bighorns, therefore, I was quite content letting the experts lead the discussion.

Much to my surprise I learned that big horn sheep were a staple in the diet of prehistoric peoples along sections of the Rio Grande gorge in Northern New Mexico. In fact, archaeological records indicate it was the second most utilized large animal behind only mule deer.  Not anymore.

Gone from almost half of their historic range in New Mexico, big horns are struggling against altered and fragmented habitats that leave their populations isolated and more prone to catastrophic events. High on their list of worries is being decimated by diseases that are not naturally known to bighorn populations. Respiratory diseases, especially Pneumonia, are associated with most bighorn die-offs. These tragic events usually occur when wild sheep come in contact with domestic sheep or goats. Unfortunately, all it takes is for one stray lovesick ram to come in contact with a domestic animal. When contact or even close proximity occurs, he can pick up a bacteria that is foreign and fatal to his system. When he eventually returns to the wild herd the entire flock can become infected and it usually spells disaster for the whole population. It may not kill every animal but it may drop their numbers to a point in which they can never recover. Sadly, it has happened all over the west where major die-offs have been reported throughout the bighorn range.

I was relieved to hear however, that there is hope. Thanks to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish some newly established bighorn populations are gaining a foothold in areas that have been void of sheep for generations. Cochiti Canyon on the Santa Fe National Forest is one such place where the mighty rams once again roam. The recent fires from Los Conchas have left a smorgasbord of food for the sheep while the sheer walls of the canyon provide escape cover for the sure-footed animals. The nearby Dome wilderness also provides sanctuary for the animals should they seek additional solitude. And lest we forget Bandalier National Monument which sits idly by waiting for the return of the majestic bighorn.

These re-establish populations however are still at risk. Feral goats and sheep sometimes wander the forest. One chance encounter with them could be disastrous to the entire wild herd. We need people to be vigilant. We need them to make sure their sheep do not escape and to report any sightings of feral goats and sheep anywhere on the Jemez or Espanola districts of Santa Fe NF. The sheep's existence on the forest depends on it. Without the help of the citizens of New Mexico and those that love all things wild, the thunderous clap of bighorn rams declaring their dominance may never again be heard by future generations. I for one, want my child to see and hear this magnificent animal.