Officials renew calls of caution around bighorn sheep during mating season
Athena Jreij
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – As the Valley prepares for another busy season, officials are renewing calls to be careful around bighorn sheep wandering into urban areas.
Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills released a video on social media Wednesday featuring Mills and animal control officers Jeanette Guzman and Stephanie Anderson, who discussed the risks of approaching the animals.
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Anderson said that from late summer through winter, the herd often roams into the city in search of food and water. While the sheep generally will not harm people unless provoked, officers warned residents to keep their distance.
“These protected animals are a vital part of our desert ecosystem, and keeping a safe distance helps ensure their health and survival,” the department said.
More information about the Bighorn sheep can be found at bighorninstitute.org.
Tonight at 5PM, News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij speaks with local officials and wildlife experts about what to do if you encounter a bighorn sheep.