North Dakota Sheep Ranchers Question Bighorn Die-Off Theory

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota sheep ranchers are questioning the theory that they're to blame for a large die-off of wild bighorns in the western Badlands.

At least 23 bighorns have died of pneumonia since early August. Most are bighorns that were transplanted from Alberta, Canada, in February.

The state Game and Fish Department believes the wild sheep were infected by domestic sheep, though state wildlife and animal health officials tell The Bismarck Tribune there are no test results to back that up.

North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Vice Chairman Brad Gilbertson says he questions whether domestic sheep are to blame. He says the wild bighorns have been near domestic sheep for years, and nothing happened until the Alberta bighorns were brought in.

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