Raptors flock into Utah’s Indian Creek, kicking climbers off major routes
INDIAN CREEK, Utah (ABC4) — Nesting season is upon us, and raptors are set to return any day to the Indian Creek corridor to raise their young.
While the return of eagles, falcons, and hawks is an exciting time in the state of Utah, it brings with it restrictions that affect rock climbers in particular.
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Indian Creek, which is located within the Bears Ears National Monument, attracts expert climbers from around the world and is often referred to as a rock climbing “mecca.” However, during the spring and early summer months, officials ask climbers to avoid several major climbing routes to help protect wildlife.
Officials from the Bureau of Land Management in Monticello say raptors often nest on the same ledge, cliff, or rock wall year after year. Using information from past years, they have determined several areas along the Indian Creek corridor that have a high probability of hosting raptors preparing to raise their young.
Officials say by late April or early May they will have determined which areas are actively being used by raptors and the other areas will be cleared for regular use.
Climbing areas that have served as nesting locations in the past, and thus will be deemed “protection areas,” include the following: The Wall, Far Side, The Meat Walls, Cliffs of Insanity, Public Service Wall, Disappointment Cliffs, Fin Wall, Broken Tooth, Cat Wall, Slug Wall, Reservoir Wall and Critic’s Choice.
“The BLM asks climbers, campers, and hikers to completely avoid areas with active nests until the young birds have fledged, which is usually by late summer,” a press release says.
The release says these efforts, among others, have aided in the recovery of the species within the state.
Indian Creek is not the only location expected to see raptors — and climbing restrictions — during this season. Zion National Park has released a list of areas that are now closed to climbers to protect raptors and their young.
Information from Zion National Park says raptors view climbers as predators and any disturbances in the area can lead to the birds acting aggressively or abandoning their nests.
For that reason, officials have closed several locations, including popular climbing areas such as Angels Landing (the non-hiking route), The Great White Throne, The Sentinel, and Mount Spry.
Closed routes in both Indian Creek and Zion National Park will be reopened after the young birds leave the nest in July or August.
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