Peregrine Falcon / Pixabay

On February 1, 2019,  the National Park Service closed select areas in the Chisos Mountains to protect nesting falcons.

In August 1999, the Peregrine Falcon was removed from the federal endangered species list, a decision prompted by the falcon’s comeback from the brink of extinction. Through the efforts of federal, state and private agencies, the Peregrine has seen remarkable population growth since it was placed on the federal list in 1970. 

However, throughout Texas there are less than a dozen known nesting pairs and the falcon remains on the state’s endangered species list. Superintendent Bob Krumenaker remarked, “The small population found in Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River represents most of the peregrines found in Texas. We appreciate the continued public support and cooperation to protect these remarkable birds."

National Park Service policies require the protection and preservation of all state-listed species and all species of concern, regardless of federal or state classification. In keeping with this mandate, and to provide the nesting falcons with areas free of human disturbance, the National Park Service again temporarily closed or placed restrictions on the use of certain lands at Big Bend National Park.

The areas closed to public entry from February 1 through May 31 are:

• The Southeast Rim Trail and a portion of the Northeast Rim Trail from the Boot Canyon/Southeast Rim junction to a point just north of Campsite NE-4.
• All Southeast Rim campsites as well as Northeast (NE) campsites 4 and 5 are closed during this period.
• Technical rock climbing on rock faces within ¼ mile of known peregrine eyries, as posted, will not be allowed between February 1 and July 15.

The National Park Service does not plan to close any other areas, but restrictions may be modified if Peregrine behavior or nesting sites do not follow traditional trends.

Falcon nesting map / NPS