A silver pickup truck towing a horse trailer traveled through northern Nevada to release 20 bighorn sheep as part of a relocation effort to boost the state’s struggling bighorn sheep population. The sheep were transferred from Oregon to Nevada to increase genetic diversity and provide better protection from predators and disease. State bighorn sheep specialist Mike Cox emphasized the importance of restoring these animals that represent Nevada’s heritage.
The restoration efforts for bighorn sheep date back to the 1950s and have successfully reintroduced the species to 60 of Nevada’s mountain ranges, with the population currently around 8,500. However, the recent drought and disease outbreaks have caused a significant decline in bighorn sheep numbers. Cox highlighted the threat posed by disease and the urgent need for more precipitation to support the struggling wildlife in Nevada.
While some sheep experienced challenges adjusting to the relocation, most were healthy and dispersing within a week. Biologists continue to monitor their movements using GPS collars to ensure the success of the restoration initiative. The release of these bighorn sheep marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore Nevada’s precious wildlife.
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