Large ram group on granite slabs in the Rae Lakes basin.
Photo by Steve Yaeger - A solitary ewe enjoying a fall day getting a few more choice bites before winter.
The Bubbs Creek herd unit was naturally re-colonized by Sierra bighorn in the late 90s to early 2000s. The SNBSRP began collaring animals from Bubbs Creek in 2009. In 2014 we estimated there were approximately 27 bighorn there. This herd unit is relatively difficult to access and small in population size, which makes it challenging to monitor. Many of our important observations from this herd have come from hikers who send photographs of bighorn sheep seen there. We routinely see rams moving between Sawmill Canyon, Mount Baxter, and Bubbs creek ensuring good gene flow.