Rescuers Pull “Frozen Icicle” Sheep From Icy River Just In Time
On a bitterly cold January afternoon in Gunnison, Colorado, a few observant locals spotted something unusual in the ice covered Taylor River. A pair of antlers was barely visible above the frozen surface. Realizing an animal was trapped, they quickly alerted staff at a nearby resort, who contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Within minutes, district…
On a bitterly cold January afternoon in Gunnison, Colorado, a few observant locals spotted something unusual in the ice covered Taylor River. A pair of antlers was barely visible above the frozen surface.
Realizing an animal was trapped, they quickly alerted staff at a nearby resort, who contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Within minutes, district wildlife managers Codi Prior and Clayton BonDurant were on their way.
When they arrived, they found a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep struggling in the freezing water. She had likely tried to cross the river and fallen through the thin ice.
Her back legs were going numb in the frigid current, while her front legs slipped helplessly against the icy edge. Time was critical.
The rescuers carefully looped a long strap beneath her front legs and around her body. With steady strength and coordination, they pulled until she was finally free from the river.
Once on shore, the team covered her eyes to reduce stress and help keep her calm. She was cold and stiff, described later as a “frozen icicle.”
They gently loaded her into a trailer filled with soft hay and transported her to a safe location. Biologists and wildlife managers stayed close, monitoring her as she slowly warmed up.
Thankfully, she had no serious injuries. As feeling returned to her legs, her strength came back.
Soon, she was ready to return home. Wildlife staff drove her to the base of a nearby hill where her herd had been seen.
When the trailer door opened, she did not hesitate. She bolted out, healthy and determined, disappearing back into the rugged landscape.
For the rescue team, moments like this are deeply meaningful. Wildlife rescues do not always end so positively, which makes each successful return to the wild especially rewarding.
Now, they hope this resilient sheep continues to thrive and one day raise lambs of her own. Her second chance is not just a victory for her, but for the future of Colorado’s Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
