Bighorn Sheep are found within the Rocky Mountains, in regions of steep and rocky cliffs, including a few areas along the David Thompson Highway.

A favourite location of the Bighorn Sheep is near Windy Point, on the western edge of Lake Abraham. Rocky cliffs are plentiful here and, occasionally, these sheep migrate across the highway to graze.

They also stop on the Highway itself, to lick the salt found on the roadway.

Drivers should be very cautious and vigilant at all times while travelling through the Rocky Mountains.

This is extremely important in areas where rock "walls" restrict visibility!

Elk also can be found in the Windy Point area of the David Thompson Highway, as well as throughout the entire region.

Moose are shy animals but, at times, they can be observed while grazing.

They keep a careful watch on their surroundings and any sudden movement will "spook" them.

Both Mule Deer and White-Tail Deer are plentiful throughout the entire region.

Some of these gentle animals roam through the treed areas of Nordegg's Golf Course, and within the old Ghost Town, itself.

These still are wild creatures. They are timid and easily frightened, although they have become used to living in the vicinity of humans.

As long ago as the very early 1800s, David Thompson, Canada's famous geographer and map-maker, remarked upon the feral (wild) horses which populated the Valley of the North Saskatchewan River.

He had come across such herds of horses while exploring westward up this river, looking for the route through the Shining Mountains, spoken of by the First Nations people.

Today, wild horses often can be seen roaming areas bordering the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11).

One band has adopted the Brazeau Collieries Historic Minesite area as its base of operation.

For 200 years, these horses have moved freely throughout this land, and they still are part of Big West Country today.

And, for those who prefer to observe wildlife no larger than themselves, there also are various small creatures in the area. It might even be possible to coax a curious squirrel to come closer __ as long as food is available.

There is a great variety of birds and wildlife in the Upper North Saskatchewan River Corridor of Big West Country. Cougar, bear (black, brown, and grizzly), wolves, coyotes, the golden eagle, and the bald eagle also inhabit the region, but are less likely to be seen by visitors to the area.

Please exercise normal care and caution when visiting this region, which is home to many species of Western Canada's wildlife population.