Hundreds of Dall sheep live in the Chugach Park mountains. High meadows and open ridges are sheep's normal habitat. In the spring months sheep move to lower mountains and elevations to find snow free areas to feed. The winter months are a lean season for Dall sheep. They spend more energy getting food than they receive from food calories.
Winter also takes a heavy toll on lambs and young immature sheep.
During the first winter up to half of all lambs perish. Male and female sheep live apart except during the mating season when they gather in small groups to compete for mating rights. Sheep predators are wolves and humans. Fish Eagle River has runs of red, silver, and king salmon. Though none of these salmon returns are strong enough to support much fishing, they are fun to watch along the park trails and at the Eagle River Nature Center.