Colorado Wildlife Officials Rescue Bighorn Sheep Trapped in Frozen River
GUNNISON, Colo. — Wildlife officials in Colorado executed a delicate rescue operation on Monday after a bighorn sheep became trapped in a hole in the ice on the Taylor River. The ewe had wandered onto the frozen river and broke through the ice, leaving her front legs and head above water while the rest of her body was submerged in the frigid current. Colorado Parks and Wildlife personnel stationed in Gunnison were alerted to the situation and dispatched District Wildlife Managers Codi Prior and Clayton BonDurant to the scene.
Upon arrival, Prior initially attempted to secure the sheep using a catch pole, but was unable to maneuver it beneath the animal’s front legs due to the precarious position. Adapting quickly, she switched to a tow strap, which she and BonDurant used to carefully muscle the ewe out of the icy water. The rescue required both strength and precision to avoid further distress or injury to the animal.
After successfully extracting the bighorn sheep from the river, the officials transported her to a nearby facility to warm up and recover from the ordeal. The following day, the ewe was reunited with her herd, bolting out of the trailer in excellent health, much to the relief of the wildlife staff involved.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges wildlife face during winter months in Colorado’s rugged terrain. Bighorn sheep, known for their agility on steep slopes, can sometimes be vulnerable when navigating frozen waterways. The swift response by Colorado Parks and Wildlife underscores the importance of trained personnel in protecting native species.
Such rescues are part of broader conservation efforts to maintain healthy populations of bighorn sheep, which have faced threats from habitat loss and disease. The species is a symbol of Colorado’s wild landscapes, and agencies like U.S. Geological Survey and state wildlife departments collaborate to monitor and support their habitats.
For more information on wildlife safety and conservation programs, visit the National Park Service’s wildlife resource page and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife official site. The successful rescue serves as a reminder of the vital role human intervention can play in preserving wildlife during harsh conditions.
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