Colorado Wildlife Team Pulls Bighorn From Icy River, Returns Ewe to Herd in Good Health

Overview

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife said a ewe fell through the ice on the Taylor River near Gunnison on Monday and was reported via staff at Three Rivers Resort.
• District Wildlife Managers Codi Prior and Clayton BonDurant first tried a catch pole, then switched to a tow strap to extract the struggling animal from the river.
• Rescuers warmed the ewe, covered her face to reduce stress, transported her in a horse trailer, and monitored her overnight for hypothermia and shock.
• On Tuesday morning, officers returned her to an area above the river where her herd was gathered, and she rejoined in excellent health.
• CPW publicly thanked those who reported the incident and warned that bighorn sheep and elk often gather on frozen water, creating recurring and sometimes fatal hazards.