Sheep on Ewin Ridge, February 2010; Photo: I. Teske Habitat use, seasonal movements, and population dynamics of bighorn sheep in the Elk Valley Prepared for: BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations 205 Industrial Road G. Cranbrook, BC V1C 7G5 and Teck Coal Limited P.O Box 2003 Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Prepared by: Kim G. Poole Aurora Wildlife Research 1918 Shannon Point Road, Nelson BC V1L 6K1 Tele. (250) 825-4063; e-mail:
[email protected] May 2013 Elk Valley bighorn sheep project Executive summary Winter is a critical season for most mountain ungulates, which use a variety of strategies to cope with burial of preferred forage and increased cost of locomotion in snow. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) inhabit the east side of the Elk Valley in southeastern British Columbia where forestry and 4 large, open-pit coal mines are in operation. Sheep in this area generally winter at high elevation on windswept, south-facing native grasslands, with some sheep also wintering on mine properties. Expansion of coal mining is proposed in portions of the valley which may result in direct loss of high-elevation winter range, which in some instances can result in the creation of winter habitat through reclamation of mine disturbance. Winter range may be the single most important factor limiting sheep populations in the area. The primary objectives of this study were to describe seasonal movements, winter habitat selection, and use of mine properties by this population. A concurrent companion study examined winter range plant communities and plant production, range condition, and winter diet.