Hemenway
Park in Boulder City Provides the Public a Rare Opportunity to View Desert
Bighorn Sheep Up Close and Personal
The large ram descended
the rocky hillside, slowly, scanning side to side acutely aware of his
surroundings. Trailing behind, a long line of ewes with lambs navigate between
the clusters of creosote on their way to the park. There is no doubt as to who
is the dominate ram in this herd. With one last hopping motion he reaches the
cool green lawn. Circling back around I got the feeling he was actively
counting, making sure his subordinates had made it down. A number of heads
instantly dropped to take a mouthful of grass and bed down in the cool of a
nearby shade tree. This is a rare green oasis amid a starkly contrasting arid desert
landscape.
The River Mountain Herd
of Desert Bighorn Sheep which regularly visits Hemenway Park during the hot
summer months numbers about 230 adults and has become an popular attraction for
the region since the park’s construction back in 1984. Almost immediately, the
sheep were drawn to the ten-acre city park by the shade trees, grass and
nutrient-rich clover that they really seem to love.
The herd’s yearly
pilgrimage to the park has become an important socio-economic factor for the
area as the only opportunity for viewing Nevada’s official state animal in an
intimate way most people never get to realize. Just plant yourself at one of
the shaded tables during the summer months and if you are fairly still they
will come within feet of you. Doug Nielson, Regional Public Affairs &
Education Supervisor for the Nevada Department of Wildlife, shared how rare the
opportunity to view wildlife in this setting is, “It’s uncanny, if you see
these same sheep in the mountains, you would swear they were different animals.
They would never let you get as close as you can in the park.”
Many of the sheep you
can see at the park are fitted with colored collars in order to provide
important data for herd management purposes like keeping track of the age and
identity of individual animals. Since, this herd is relatively isolated due to
their proximity to human developments, highway systems and topography; it
provides a wealth of information for biologist. “For us, that sheep herd is
important because it provides us with a chance to learn more about Bighorn
Sheep, their interactions and biology, the factors that impact them like
disease or the effects of developments on that species,” said Neilson. “They
are a part of the Mojave Desert and who we are.”
Winding through the
park you’ll find six interpretive signs that have been installed through a
collaborative effort between the Nevada Department of Wildlife and Boulder City
towards informing the public on these animals which have become an icon
associated with Boulder City itself. They discuss topics ranging from their
importance to Native peoples as a food source to guidelines for viewing the
animals respectfully and safely while visiting the park.
Highway 93 that takes
you to the park is quite busy as the main thoroughfare for travelers between
Arizona and Nevada. Visitors to Hoover Dam or Las Vegas should take advantage
of this unique wildlife viewing activity if their trip takes place between May
and October; the months when high temperatures in the region attract the herd
to the cool oasis of the park. The Nevada Department of Transportation is
currently building a bypass to alleviate the traffic congestion that runs on
the highway adjacent to Hemenway Park.
During the breeding
season (or rut) you may even see the minor skirmishes as rams butt heads
(forgive the pun) in order to establish and reinforce social hierarchies. That
being said, be prepared to wait awhile as most issues concerning dominance have
been long-established in this fairly isolated herd.
Over the years, the
River Mountain Herd has provided over a thousand animals for repatriation
programs that reintroduce animals back into their historic ranges in other
areas in the state. However, in recent years, a pathogen outbreak has prevented
their use in this regard. “We’re hoping that eventually that pathogen will lose
its impact on the sheep. Right now there is not much more we can do then to
monitor them and try to prevent transmission to other populations that do not
have the issue,” noted Nielsen. “It’s a real challenge.”
The herd is primarily
managed by the Nevada Department of Wildlife and as lead conservation education
officer for the state; Nielsen spoke to the inter-agency cooperation in
managing the herd. “We share some management responsibilities with the National
Park Service because some of those sheep migrate in and out of the Lake Mead
National Recreation Area. So we coordinate efforts with their biologists.” Between
the City, state, neighborhood and federal park specialists who all have
interests in the viability of the Hemenway group, there is no shortage of
oversight. “It’s probably one of the most monitored sheep herds in the world.”
The
adoption of Hemenway Park by the herd has raised questions as to possible
detrimental effects on a population which has adapted its behaviors to coexist
so close to a suburban environment. “There is no harm to the sheep from eating
the grass or anything like that. The
biggest danger is being hit by a car while coming or going,” suggested Yavapai
College Biology Professor Chris Dunn. “The problem is that the sheep herd will
probably continue to grow and become a problem if they stay all the time. They aren’t being hunted there so there isn’t
anything to reduce the numbers. This
happened in Morenci, AZ and eventually the sheep were captured and relocated to
new areas where they are doing fine.” However, until the pathogen issue is resolved
within this herd, increased mortality rates and the threat of transference of
the disease which is thought to have originated with domestic sheep, prevents
any relocation efforts, at least from this particular herd.
We
are fortunate to haves seen Desert Bighorn populations rebound throughout the
West, in part due to the River Mountain Herd. Following the settlement of the
region and the introduction of domestic livestock, the entire population within
Nevada was decimated. A mere 2,000 animals were left before resurgences in
conservation efforts during the 1960’s resulted in current estimates of over
9,000 sheep today.
Even
if the sheep are not in the park, it remains an extraordinary vista point for viewing
Lake Mead. The terrain drops in elevation towards the lake resulting in an
unobstructed view of the expansive man-made reservoir. Bring your camera and
picnic lunch and enjoy one of Boulder City’s best-kept secrets. There are just
a few things you should adhere to. First, never feed the sheep. The clover and
blade-grass is more than enough. In fact, biologists have credited the clover
as an exceptional source of nutrition. Second, keep your distance. This isn’t a
petting zoo. If you find a place to just sit still, the animals will come
closer than you may realize. They are used to sharing their emerald lawn with
humans but don’t push your luck. And lastly, the only issues over the years
have been when cars on the highway slow abruptly or try to take photos and such
while driving. Just pull off the highway onto Ville Drive and you can’t miss
the park on your right less than a block away. You, and other drivers will be
much safer and, trust me, you’ll get a much better shot.
There
are plenty of shaded picnic tables to get you out of the sun when viewing the
sheep in the hot summer months. Bring plenty of water. There are drinking
fountains but if you’ve ever used one in 120 degree weather then you know how
much nicer a cold bottle out of a cooler can be. Children will appreciate the
modern playground equipment. They have a rock wall and a soft rubber surface
throughout that stays cool in the heat also. Is horseshoes or basketball more
your game? You’re in luck. There are restroom facilities as well. The park is
popular for special events. Many couples have tied the knot at Hemenway. Just
contact the Parks Department for permits. One last tip, If you plan on bringing
a picnic blanket or otherwise plan on sitting on the lawn, watch out for sheep
droppings. It can get a bit much. Otherwise, enjoy!
Information:
Hemenway
Park Nevada Dept. of Wildlife
Boulder City, NV 89005
Boulder
City Parks & Recreation
Phone: 702-293-9256
Want
to help with Desert Bighorn Sheep Conservation?
Contact the Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society
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