The Division of Wildlife Resources will sponsor a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep viewing on July 23.
Bighorn sheep viewing will be best early in the morning and later in the evening during the DWR-sponsored bighorn sheep watch on July 23. The event will be held in the city of Sunnyside, which is about 20 miles east of Price.
DWR biologists will be available from 7 to 9 a.m. in the morning, and 7 to 9 p.m. in the evening, to help people locate the Rocky Mountain bighorns and answer questions. Those interested in viewing the bighorns are advised to avoid the mid-morning to late afternoon period, when the sheep bed down to escape the summer heat and become very difficult, or impossible, to see.
Almost every year, a band of bighorn rams summer at the far east end of the town. They typically forage on vegetation in the area and water at Grassy Trail Creek. Their numbers usually vary between 10 and 25, although as many as 40 have been observed.
When monsoonal moisture arrives in August or September, the rams leave Sunnyside and return to the high plateaus overlooking the Green River.
This band of rams is accustomed to vehicles and people and can often be observed and photographed at relatively close distances. Just in case, it’s a good idea for any visitors to pack a telephoto lens to the July 23 event. Those visitors who have binoculars or a spotting scope also are encouraged to bring them. The DWR will have several pairs available for visitors to use if they do not have their own.
For more information, contact Brent Stettler at (435) 636-0266 or brentstettler@utah.gov.
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