BIGHORN SHEEP REBOUNDING IN NORTH DAKOTA – In contrast to recent years, the 2019 results show signs the disease may be slowing down. In the northern badlands herd, 290 sheep were counted. A 12% growth increase from 2017. For the fourth consecutive year, there has been a decrease in adult rams. However, adult ewes saw near-record population growth in 2019. Lamb survival rate saw significant increases from the record lows in 2016 and 2017.
“The increase in the 2019 count reflects lessening effects of bacterial pneumonia that was detected in 2014. The total count of adult rams unfortunately declined for a fourth consecutive year in 2019; but, adult ewes remained near record numbers. Most encouraging was the significant increase in the lamb count and recruitment rate following record lows in 2016 and 2017.”
– Brett Wiedmann, Big Game Biologist
Brief History
In 2014, an outbreak of bacterial pneumonia killed nearly three dozen bighorn sheep in western North Dakota. The herd diminished in both 2015 and 2016 as well. In 2017, North Dakota reduced hunting permits as officials reported counting fewer rams each year.
Southern Badlands Herd Struggles
The herd remains in poor condition. The herd has been ravaged by disease on and off throughout the years. Approximately 20 sheep were found in the 2019 count. The current plan is to remove what’s left of the herd. After the old herd is removed new Bighorns will be brought in from Montana. Subsequently, officials need to find a safe release site free of domestic sheep. Domesticated sheep can carry disease to the bighorns. Wildlife officials are hoping to have hunters help them remove the herd.
“There are about 20 wild sheep south of the interstate, and the goal would be to depopulate all of them and then repopulate with wild sheep from the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. As for the timeline, we don’t know yet. We need to be confident in our release site and try to ensure any potential contact with domestic sheep is little to no concern.”
– Jeb Williams, State Wildlife Chief
It seems that the disease in North Dakota bighorns is slowing down. What do you think about the northern herd recovering? Would you like to help North Dakota Fish and Game remove the sick southern herd? Let us know in the comments.
