Motorcyclist ejected after crashing into big horn sheep

A man is lucky to have escaped serious injury after his motorcycle collided with a big horn sheep on Highway 74 Monday night.

The crash happened just before 6:30 p.m.

According to a release from Officer Mike Radford with the California Highway Patrol, 60-year-old Indian Wells resident Dennis Hurvitz was riding eastbound on the highway, west of Palowet Drive, when a big horn sheep walked into the roadway.

Hurvitz’ Yamaha motorcycle hit the sheep and Hurvitz was ejected.

The motorcycle slid into the westbound lane of Highway 74 and collided with a Toyota Camry, according to Radford.

Hurvitz was only slightly injured in the crash and wasn’t taken to the hospital. The woman driving the Camry wasn’t hurt either.

Due to the sheep’s severe injuries, it had to be euthanized at the scene by a member of the Bighorn Institute. The Palm Desert-based Bighorn Institute does research and education on the wild desert sheep.

Radford said officers don’t believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

The incident serves as an important reminder to be wary of wildlife on the roadway while driving.