The Azure Gate: National Wildlife Refuges

Saturday, February 11, 2012

National Wildlife Refuges

Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, 1939

The Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Sonoran Desert in southwestern Arizona. The refuge, established in 1939 to protect Desert Bighorn Sheep, is located along 56 miles of the US/Mexican border and covers 860,010 acres — the third largest NWR in the lower 48 States -- and larger than the state of Rhode Island.

Spanish for "dark head," the refuge's name comes from the Cabeza Prieta Mountains in the refuge's northwest part. Author Edward Abbey, a frequent visitor, described the Cabeza Prieta as "the best desert wilderness left in the USA." This is one of the "hottest" and "driest" places in the US (if not the most). There is but one 4x4 only road through the refuge. Typically, the Desert Bighorn Sheep stay five or more miles away from that road and in the heart of the mountain areas, so they are seldom seen. Desert Bighorn Sheep are physiologically different than other Bighorn Sheep in that they have adapted to the hot and dry climate. They can go three weeks without water. It is also home to the endangered Sonoran Pronghorn, of which less than 400 remain in the US. Much of the Refuge is closed from mid March to mid July to protect breeding Pronghorn. The Pronghorn are seldom seen as well.

Summer ground temperatures easily reach 130 degrees. Before entering, you must watch a 25 minute video on the hazards of Cabeza Prieta and then fill out a two page form verifying that you understand those hazards. Once signed, you are given a six month permit to visit the Refuge. However, you must call the Refuge's "Hotline" upon entry and exit each time you visit.

Among other mammals living here are Feral (Wild) Burros. Although they too, are not easily found I have had success finding them. I also came across a Wild Horse on one visit. And, I did get a quick glimpse of a Badger once, but he disappeared before I could get the camera out.