EXPLORING WILDLIFE

The Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area is one of 54 National Wildlife Areas across Canada managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. It is located in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region of British Columbia, near Vaseux Lake. The Vaseux-Bighorn NWA is also situated on the Osoyoos Indian Band Traditional Territory. In 1979, this NWA was created to help protect the California Bighorn Sheep (Ovis Canadensis), which was at risk of disappearing. Many species inhabiting the Vaseux-Bighorn NWA are now listed under the Species at Risk Act, including the Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Lewis’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis), American Badger (Taxidea taxus), Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum), Desert Nightsnake (Hypsiglena chlorophaea), Monarch (Danaus plexippus), and Short-rayed Alkali Aster (Symphyotrichum frondosum). Situated in one of the most biologically diverse regions, this NWA is of great ecological importance as it is located in Canada’s only true desert. Dominated by Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Antelope Brush (Purshia tridentate), this unique Canadian site sits in the extreme northern range for many plants and animals. Wetland and riparian thicket habitats surround Vaseux Lake, while arid terraces dominate other zones of the NWA. These areas provide important habitat for a diversity of species at risk and act as an important corridor for migratory species.

The NWA is open to public from mid-May to mid-September for bird watching, hiking and photography on designated trails.

Learn more about the Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area

STAY ON THE TRAILS. The geocaches have been placed along the trails. Help protect species and their habitats by following the NWA regulations and stay on designated trails.

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE TRADE ITEMS OR ANY OBJECTS IN THE CACHE. THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING.

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