Bighorn Sheep Return To Big Bend Ranch
By: Dylan Brooks
Updated: December 28, 2010
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK -- They're a symbol of the western frontier, and now they're back in a West Texas park.
Nearly 50 bighorn sheep have been moved to Big Bend Ranch State Park as part of a wildlife restoration effort. The sheep -- 12 rams and 34 ewes -- were recently taken from other parts of West Texas and flown by helicopter to the park, so they can graze in the mountains by the Rio Grande.
The sheep used to call the park's mountains home, but they moved to other areas, where many of them fell victim to hunting and disease. Wildlife conservationists hope the sheep thrive in their new home.
Nearly 50 bighorn sheep have been moved to Big Bend Ranch State Park as part of a wildlife restoration effort. The sheep -- 12 rams and 34 ewes -- were recently taken from other parts of West Texas and flown by helicopter to the park, so they can graze in the mountains by the Rio Grande.
The sheep used to call the park's mountains home, but they moved to other areas, where many of them fell victim to hunting and disease. Wildlife conservationists hope the sheep thrive in their new home.
