Wildlife Project Will Temporarily Close Remote Sections of Big Bend National Park

Contact: Don Corrick, Chief of Interpretation, 432-477-1107

Contact: Thomas Athens, Wildlife Biologist, 432-477-1145

Control of non-native aoudads to begin October 3

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Texas - In early October, Big Bend National Park will implement targeted management actions to protect native desert bighorn sheep by reducing the population of non-native Barbary sheep (aoudad) within the park. This is a continuation of the park's annual aoudad management in collaboration with the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD).

Starting October 3, the Mesa de Anguila will be closed while TPWD staff, in coordination with the NPS, conduct aerial operations to remove aoudad. Areas will be closed the evening before the survey and closure areas will reopen once the surveys are completed, so please follow posted closure signs for trailheads and roads. The Rio Grande and Santa Elena Canyon Trail will remain open.

Additionally, the Deadhorse Mountains and surrounding areas, including Dagger Flat Road and Old Ore Road, will be temporarily closed October 4 - 5. Similar temporary closures will be in place the evening prior, so please follow posted closure signs for trailheads and roads. The Rio Grande and Boquillas Canyon trail will remain open. Closures typically only last one full day per survey area, but closures may last longer due to weather or mechanical delays. Please see the attached map for detailed closures and access information. Barbary sheep are native to the dry mountains of Northern Africa but now thrive within the rugged landscape of West Texas. Over the last 30 years, Barbary sheep have established a foothold within the park and their population has increased significantly in recent years, with hundreds now roaming the area.

Barbary sheep occupy the same habitats as the park's small population of native desert bighorn sheep and negatively impact the natural ecology of the park. Large groups of aoudads outcompete bighorn sheep for food and water, threaten biodiversity, and impair park visitors' ability to experience natural conditions and scenery.

This effort is part of Big Bend's long-term strategy to manage invasive species and protect native wildlife, as outlined in the Exotic Animal Management Plan and Environmental Assessment finalized in June 2018