Counting sheep

Wild big horn sheep in the Canyonlands are helping Utah’s Division of Wildlife Services decide whether they are being affected by 4WD vehicles, mountain bikes and people.

From a helicopter, skilled sheep wranglers use a special four-barrel gun to fire a 10’x10’ net across a sheep. Once immobilized, the sheep is inoculated with antibiotics and then fitted with a collar that contains two tracking systems. Fifteen sheep, including four rams, are captured in this way and then let free.

Scientists are able to track the location of the sheep five times a day for two years. This information is used to help determine the impact of rugged country recreation activities on the big horn sheep, and which desert areas need to be protected.