On a bitterly cold January day in Gunnison, Colorado, a group of passersby noticed something strange in the icy waters of the Taylor River. Sticking out from the frozen surface were a pair of antlers — a sight that instantly raised alarm.
Realizing an animal was trapped beneath the ice, the concerned witnesses quickly alerted staff at a nearby resort, who then contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Within minutes, wildlife managers Codi Prior and Clayton BonDurant rushed to the scene.
A Dangerous Struggle for Survival
When the rescuers arrived, they saw a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep fighting for her life. She had likely tried to cross the frozen river, only to break through the ice and become stuck.
Her back legs were numb from the freezing water, and her front legs kept slipping as she tried desperately to pull herself out. Every second in the river reduced her chances of survival.
A Race Against the Cold
Prior and BonDurant wasted no time. They carefully slid a long rescue strap under the sheep’s front legs and around her body.
With all their strength, they pulled — inch by inch — until they finally managed to haul her free from the icy grip of the river and onto solid ground.
“She was basically a frozen icicle when she came out,” said John Livingston, a public information officer with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Warmth, Care, and a Second Chance
To calm her, the rescuers gently covered the sheep’s eyes and loaded her into a trailer filled with soft hay. She was taken to a safe location where biologists and wildlife staff could monitor her closely.
Miraculously, she had no serious injuries — just severe cold exposure. After warming up and regaining her strength, she was ready for the final step.
Back Where She Belongs
The team transported the sheep to the base of a nearby hill where her herd was grazing. When they opened the trailer door, she didn’t hesitate for a second — she bolted straight back into the wild.
“She looked strong and healthy, which was such a relief,” Livingston said.
A Happy Ending in a Tough Job
For wildlife rescuers, outcomes like this are never guaranteed. Many calls end in heartbreak — which is why this one meant so much.
“These rescues don’t always have happy endings,” Livingston said. “So seeing an animal get a second chance to live freely in the wild is one of the best parts of our work.”
The team hopes the sheep will go on to live a long life — and maybe even raise lambs of her own — continuing the legacy of Colorado’s iconic bighorn sheep. 🐏❄️