Bulletins

HAINES JUNCTION, YT, May 1, 2024 – Parks Canada and the Kluane National Park Management Board are asking visitors for assistance in protecting the declining population of Dall’s sheep at Thechàl Dhâl’, also known as Sheep Mountain.

Parks Canada implements two voluntary closures in Kluane National Park and Reserve (NPR) to minimize disturbance of Dall’s sheep – a year-round closure in an area of sensitive sheep habitat on the south-facing slopes of Thechàl Dhâl’, with a second seasonal closure of the adjacent Thechàl Dhâl’ Ridge Route during lambing season from May 1 to June 15. Parks Canada also asks visitors to refrain from bringing their dogs to these two areas at any time of year.

This time of year also sees high numbers of sheep on the highway licking salt at the base of Thechàl Dhâl. The Government of Yukon, working with Parks Canada, has implemented several traffic calming measures to reduce the risk of highway collisions with sheep. These include:

• a reduced speed zone of maximum 60 km/h;
• highway markings designed to draw attention to vehicle speed; and
• removal of a passing lane.

In the summer of 2024, electric speed signs will also be installed to remind drivers to slow down. Drivers are asked to use caution when driving in the area.

Parks Canada manages human-wildlife interactions for the safety and well-being of both people and wildlife. Parks Canada has been monitoring Dall’s sheep in the park since 1977 and sheep surveys from 2022 and 2023 show unprecedently low numbers of adult sheep. These low numbers are in part due to the extremely low numbers of lambs counted from 2019 to 2022. In 2021, only eight lambs were recorded which is 82% lower than average.

Sheep populations in Kluane NPR are affected by climate, predators, and an increase in extreme weather events – factors that are difficult to control. Research has shown that the presence of people and dogs can also disrupt activities that are important to a sheep’s survival, like foraging, resting, and taking care of young. We are focused on protecting and conserving wildlife while enabling safe and enjoyable visitor experiences in protected places. During lambing season, alternate hikes in the area include Sheep Creek Trail, Bullion Plateau, Soldier’s Summit, and Shepherd's Knoll.

This does not apply to Kluane First Nation citizens accessing their traditional territory.

By working together, we can help protect wildlife. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Contacts:

Information:
Kluane National Park and Reserve
Visitor Centre
Parks Canada
867-634-5248
kluaneinfo@pc.gc.ca

Media:
Kathy Burden
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada
867-333-9458
kathy.burden@pc.gc.ca