Once a hunting ranch, River Hills is now a sanctuary for about 18 species of non-native animals. An all-volunteer group of co-owners, including us, manage their health and well-being. We share this amazing place with our four-legged residents. Guests should be aware that animals on the ranch are wild. River Hills Ranch is also a community with a few private homes and cabins and about 10 miles of private roads within the 1700 acre property.
Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot animals. If you make the drive down to the river you’re very likely to see multiple species in groups or alone. The most likely sightings are red deer, Indian antelope (blackbuck), audad, white tail deer, fallow deer. If you’re lucky you might see a scimitar oryx, elk, gemsbock, nilgai, hibridean sheep, sika deer, spanish sheep or something else. Don’t speed 😉
It can really come alive out here at night. It’s not uncommon to hear foxes, raccoons, bobcats and various deer species communicating. If you have children, we recommend getting familiar with sounds made by red deer, feral pigs, bobcats and foxes. The former can be pretty terrifying if you’re not familiar with them. If you’re staying in September – November the red deer, fallow and elk become very active at dawn and dusk all the way until 11pm or so. You’ll hear them roaring, grunting and sometimes fighting. This is their mating season. As we’ve said before, treat them with respect, give them space and don’t approach them. Talk and make people noises to let them know you’re there.
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