The chamois

From the crests to the torrent, the left bank of the Encombres valley is part of a hunting reserve which brings together about 1,300 chamois as well as rœ, deer and ibex. Susceptible to avalanches, this valley naturally protects them from winter disturbances which would be fatal to them in this time of rest. The animals occupy the southern slopes during the cold period as the snow dœsn’t hold there for long. On these sun-exposed slopes, the avalanches quickly pull out the dry grass on which they feed. In the spring, the greenery attracts them near to the ruins of Planlebon. They then return to the heights where they keep a lower profile, using the summer to fatten up.