Experts Warn of Bighorn Sheep Wandering Into Coachella Valley Streets

Bighorn sheep are a familiar sight in the Coachella Valley, but recently, they’ve been spotted in unexpected places—on sidewalks and roadways in downtown Palm Springs.

Experts from the Bighorn Institute warn that while these animals are typically mountain dwellers, many have become habituated to grazing at O’Donnell Golf Club over the past four years. Now, some are wandering even further into busy streets, putting both motorists and the endangered sheep at risk.

"Where they could get hit by a car, and that also poses a danger for motorists," said Amy Byard, director of operations and biologist with the Bighorn Institute.

A growing concern is that young rams are learning to see urban areas as their natural habitat, which experts warn could lead to more conflicts as their population increases.

As of 2022, the estimated population of peninsular bighorn sheep was around 800, spanning from Palm Springs to the Mexican border. While conservation efforts have helped increase their numbers, habitat loss remains a challenge.

If you encounter a bighorn sheep, experts urge residents to:
✅ Give them space and avoid approaching.
✅ Call the Bighorn Institute or Palm Springs Animal Services for assistance.

Possible solutions include herding efforts and fencing to keep the sheep away from urban areas and safely within their natural habitat.

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