The La Sal mountain range is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from common western alpine animals like elk to more elusive critters like the American marten, which was first spotted in the area in 2019. Other animals native to the La Sals include bighorn sheep, black bears, cougars, bobcats, foxes, porcupines, and pikas. The park is also home to a range of bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatchers and photographers. Besides the variety of songbirds, the La Sal mountains feature popular species like red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, and several types of woodpeckers.

Interestingly, the La Sal mountain range has seen controversy surrounding its animal population in the last few years. In 2013, Utah state wildlife officials began a plan to introduce mountain goats to the La Sals, starting with a herd of 20 goats. This has been highly controversial among the local population – the state argues that mountain goats were at one time native to the mountain range, while conservationists are concerned about the damage these animals are causing to La Sal’s alpine biomes, accusing state officials of prioritizing hauntable game over native populations.

The goats have thrived in the decade they’ve spent living in the mountains, growing the herd from about 20 animals to over 100, but it’s come at a cost. Not only are the mountain goats depleting the population of certain alpine flowers, but they’re also crowding out the native bighorn sheep by competing with them for food.

Over the past 10 years, the goat invasion has become a flashpoint in a struggle between state and federal authorities over wildlife control, as the National Forest Service strongly opposes the experiment. Even in a place as remote and protected as the La Sal mountain range, conservation can be more complicated than you might think.

To make the most of your next trip, check out our La Sal Mountains Self-Guided Driving Tour.

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