La Madera (Magdalena)
AKA Sierra Magdalena
Highest Point
Probable Occurrence Of A Brown Bear (Ursus Arctos) In Sonora, Mexico, In 1976
Measurements taken on the skull of a bear shot in northern Sonora, Mexico, in 1976 revealed that the skull is from a brown bear (Ursus arctos). The skull appears to be that of a juvenile (sex unknown) and, to our knowledge, represents only the fourth confirmed record of a brown bear from Sonora, although anecdotal accounts exist from the mid-1800s to early 1900s. The present record also establishes that brown bears, considered extirpated from Mexico since the 1960s, were present in Sonora within the past 30 years.
Thornscrub before and after heavy February 2011 frost
These photos were taken by Aaron Flesch before and after the February 2 and 3, 2011 frost. This unusually severe frost event was the worst freeze seen across Sonora and Arizona at least 50 years. Many species and vegetation communities were heavily effected.
These photos were taken in July 2009 (top) and July 2012 (bottom). One can see dramatic changes in vegetative cover in the foreground, as well as on hill-slopes in the background.
Sierra la Madera backpack, May 2010
Breeding bird survey trip to the south end of the range.