Bighorn Sheep On The Increase In North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A survey of bighorn sheep in the North Dakota Badlands indicates the herd is rebounding from an outbreak of bacterial pneumonia, boosting the likelihood of a fall hunting season.

The Game and Fish Department says the recent survey counted 292 animals in the state-managed herd, up 8 percent from last year and 3 percent above the five-year average.

Bacterial pneumonia hit the herd in 2014 and re-emerged last summer. The hunting season was called off last year for the first time in more than three decades due to dozens of sheep deaths.

Game and Fish earlier this month announced a tentative fall season, based on the herd continuing to fight back from disease. Game and Fish Veterinarian Dan Grove says sheep are still dying, but at a much slower rate.