As someone who’s spent over a decade guiding trips and writing about the American backcountry, I’ve encountered my fair share of wildlife. While bears and mountain lions often grab the headlines, there’s a surprisingly serious, and often overlooked, danger posed by seemingly docile animals: bighorn sheep. The phrase “death by sheep” isn’t hyperbole; it represents a genuine, albeit rare, threat. This article will delve into the risks associated with these majestic creatures, focusing on aggressive behavior, the dangers of consuming bighorn sheep meat, and how to stay safe while recreating in their habitat. We’ll cover everything from understanding their behavior to recognizing the signs of disease and practicing responsible backcountry ethics.
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are generally not predators, and attacks on humans are uncommon. However, they can be incredibly dangerous, particularly during certain times of the year. The primary driver of aggressive behavior is protection of their young. From late winter through spring, ewes (female sheep) are fiercely protective of their lambs. Approaching too closely, even unintentionally, can trigger a charge. According to the National Park Service (NPS Wildlife Safety), sheep have been known to headbutt, trample, and even gore people who get too close.
Another period of heightened aggression occurs during the rutting season (fall). Rams (male sheep) engage in head-to-head clashes to establish dominance and compete for mating rights. These rams are already highly agitated and can perceive humans as rivals. They may charge, even without a perceived threat to lambs. It’s crucial to give them a very wide berth during this time. The USDA Forest Service (Forest Service Safety) emphasizes maintaining significant distance from rams during the fall months.
In areas where bighorn sheep have become habituated to humans – often due to intentional or unintentional feeding – they can lose their natural fear and become bolder. This increases the risk of conflict. Never, ever feed bighorn sheep. It’s harmful to their health and creates a dangerous situation for both the animals and people. Remember, a fed animal is a dead animal, and a habituated animal is a potentially dangerous one.
Beyond physical attacks, a far more significant danger associated with bighorn sheep is disease, specifically pneumonia. Bighorn sheep are highly susceptible to pneumonia transmitted from domestic sheep and goats. This isn’t just a concern for the sheep themselves; it poses a risk to humans who consume bighorn sheep meat that isn’t properly handled and cooked.
While pneumonia is the most immediate concern, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal neurological disease affecting cervids (deer, elk, moose, and potentially sheep), is an increasing worry. Although CWD hasn’t been widely documented in bighorn sheep, its presence in nearby deer and elk populations raises concerns about potential spillover. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (CDC CWD Information) provides detailed information on CWD and its potential risks to humans. Other pathogens, like E. coli and parasites, can also be present in bighorn sheep meat.
I’ve spoken with wildlife biologists who strongly advise against consuming bighorn sheep meat, even if legally harvested. The risk of contracting a disease, even with thorough cooking, is considered too high. If you are considering consuming bighorn sheep meat, it is absolutely critical to:
Even with these precautions, the risk remains. The potential health consequences simply aren’t worth it, in my professional opinion.
So, how do you enjoy the backcountry while minimizing the risk of encountering a dangerous situation with bighorn sheep? Here’s a breakdown of best practices, drawing on guidance from Leave No Trace (Leave No Trace Principles) and experienced wildlife professionals.
The most important thing you can do is maintain a safe distance. The National Park Service recommends staying at least 100 yards (91 meters) away from bighorn sheep. This distance increases during lambing and the rutting season. Use binoculars or a spotting scope to observe them from afar. Never attempt to approach or feed them.
Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in areas known to be frequented by bighorn sheep. Look for signs of their presence, such as tracks, scat, and rubbed areas on trees. Be particularly cautious when hiking through canyons, along cliffs, and near open meadows – these are common sheep habitats. Avoid hiking alone, and let someone know your itinerary.
Learn to recognize the warning signs of an agitated sheep. These include:
If a bighorn sheep charges, your options are limited.
Protecting bighorn sheep populations is crucial. Here are a few ways you can contribute to their conservation:
As outdoor professionals – guides, camp owners, adventure businesses – we have a responsibility to educate our clients and guests about these risks and promote responsible backcountry behavior. Understanding the potential dangers of death by sheep and the risks associated with bighorn sheep meat is not about fear-mongering; it’s about respecting wildlife, protecting ourselves, and ensuring the long-term health of these magnificent animals and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Remember, a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience starts with knowledge, preparation, and respect for the wild.