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BLM>Utah>GSENM>Programs>Fish & Wildlife>Projects>Native Wildlife Reintroduction and Augmentation>Bighorn Sheep Reintroduction/Augmentation
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Bighorn Sheep Reintroduction/Augmentation
In 1999 21 desert bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis nelsoni, were trapped along the shore of Lake Mead in Arizona. The sheep were trapped with aerial net guns and the use of a helicopter. All of these sheep were then transported to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) in horse trailers pulled by 4x4 pickups. Seventeen of the sheep were fitted with radio transmitters to assist in future monitoring efforts.

In 2000 20 more sheep were trapped and released in the GSENM. This group was trapped using the same methods as in 1999 and were trapped on the shores of Lake mead in Nevada. Three of these sheep were fitted with radio transmitters. These animals were transported to the GSENM is similar fashion as in 1999.

Both of the trap/release efforts of 1999 and 2000 were cooperative projects between the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS), The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and the GSENM. Both FNAWS and DWR have expressed interest in expanding the current range of bighorn in GSENM to mirror historic numbers. Monitoring work has been carried out mainly by graduate students from Brigham Young University (BYU). Two years of data has been collected by BYU. GSENM biologists continue to work towards bringing more sheep into the area and work towards maintaining a strong relationship with FNAWS and DWR.
 
Bighorn Sheep being fitted for a radio collar. Bighorn Sheep being fitted for a radio collar. Bighorn Sheep being transported by helicopter.

   
Last updated: 06-09-2008