Big Bend National Park Announces Temporary Closures for Wildlife Management Project

News Release Date: September 25, 2026
Contact:Don Corrick, 432-477-1107
Contact:Thomas Athens, 432-477-1145

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Tex. - In early October, Big Bend National Park and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will initiate targeted wildlife management actions to protect native desert bighorn sheep. The project aims to reduce the population of non-native Barbary sheep, or aoudad, within the park, continuing the annual collaboration between the park and TPWD.

Barbary sheep, native to the dry mountains of Northern Africa, have adapted to the rugged landscape of West Texas over the past 30 years. Their numbers have increased significantly, with hundreds now roaming the area. Barbary sheep occupy the same habitat as the park's small population of native desert bighorn sheep. This overlap has led to ecological impacts: Barbary sheep compete for food and water, threaten biodiversity, and affect visitors' enjoyment of the park's natural beauty.

Starting Oct. 1, the Mesa de Anguila will be closed while TPWD conducts aerial operations to remove aoudad. Closures will begin the evening before the survey and will reopen once the work is completed. Visitors are asked to observe 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 2. Similar temporary closures will be in place the evening prior, and visitors should 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 may last longer due to weather or mechanical delays. For detailed information on closures and access, please refer to the attached map.

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.

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