Frequently Asked Questions
What is the concern over bighorn sheep in the Tetons?
Bighorn sheep are a highly valued, native species that has survived in the Teton Range for thousands of years. Because there are a limited number of bighorns remaining, and those sheep are forced to endure winters in harsh, high-altitude habitats, biologists are asking backcountry skiers to avoid bighorn winter range to reduce stress on the animals. Research has shown that human disturbance can cause bighorn sheep to expend excess energy.
What is the basis for the bighorn sheep winter zones?
The bighorn sheep winter zones represent most of the places where bighorn sheep live during the winter, based on the best available science, and therefore need minimal disturbance. Some consideration was also given to potential for the population to expand its winter range in areas where that is most likely to occur.
How were the boundaries of the bighorn sheep winter zones drawn?
The zones were drawn with a combination of science and public feedback. Scientists used radio-tracking collars and helicopter surveys to determine where sheep spend the winters. The Bighorn Sheep Working Group also sought feedback from backcountry skiers to identify high-value skiing areas. The resulting map is a compromise.
Why are the Forest Service and National Park Service asking backcountry winter recreationists to voluntarily avoid the bighorn sheep winter zones?
Bighorn sheep are prey animals and are naturally sensitive to disturbance. Even if animals look calm, they can be stressed and burning crucial energy. Teton Range bighorn sheep live on the razor’s edge of survival, so the Forest Service and National Park Service is asking skiers to give these animals the space they need. At this stage, we are depending on the honor system.
What is the difference between the existing closures and the bighorn sheep winter zones?
The existing closures have been in place for many years, and it is mandatory that recreationists avoid these areas to provide secure habitat for bighorn sheep. In the winter of 2021-22, these are the only mandatory closed areas. Avoiding the bighorn sheep winter zones is voluntary.
What are the recommended designated routes?
During our public feedback period, we heard that some skiers want to travel from Point A to Point B through a bighorn sheep winter zone, without lingering. For these circumstances, the map highlights ways to facilitate access to traditional traverse routes as well as a few specific ascents or descents. The lines show a generalized route. Recreationists are responsible for selecting the safest route based on the current conditions.
What are the next steps?
Roughly three-fourths of the bighorn sheep winter zones are in Grand Teton National Park. The National Park Service plans to begin a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning effort to evaluate formally adopting additional winter habitat protections for bighorn sheep within Grand Teton National Park. This will potentially include other visitor management strategies, analyze the environmental impacts of the proposal, and engage the public in the decision-making process. Please stay tuned to the park website for more information about how to engage.
The Forest Service manages about a quarter of the bighorn sheep winter zones. Presently there are no proposals beyond the current voluntary closures.
Ongoing Monitoring
This winter, we are depending on the honor system to protect bighorn sheep in the Teton Range. Skiers have told us they want to do the right thing and need good information to do so. Meanwhile, biologists are exploring DNA-based surveys and other methods to track bighorn sheep populations.