Bighorn sheep could face deadly avalanches

As snow cover declines with a warming climate in the Sierra Nevada, bighorn sheep could actually be facing more deadly avalanches.

This could have population impacts on the genetically distinct Sierra Nevada subgroup, which is only made up of 350 bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierra).

Researchers recently simulated future climates in the area to find out how avalanches may affect bighorn sheep.

They found that while the climate will warm by the years 2050-2080, avalanches may actually increase.

More specifically, they found that while snow cover will likely decrease in the lower elevations, the higher elevations may see an increase in snow, leading to more avalanches.

Scientists will present their findings on this research at the American Geophysical Union on Dec. 10.

This article was first published by The Wildlife Society on 10 December 2024. Lead Image: Climate change could make deadly avalanches more common for bighorn sheep. Credit: California Department of Fish and Wildlife/Steve Yaeger.

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