Glasgow, MT – State wildlife officials killed two young bighorn rams after they were spotted near domestic sheep south of Malta, more than 20 miles from two nearby bighorn herds.
Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Scott Thompson removed the sheep on June 24 over concerns that the domestic sheep could have been exposed to pneumonia that can decimate a bighorn herd.
In the Tendoy Mountains near Lima, the state plans to remove an entire herd, and later restock the area with healthy bighorns. Other recent bighorn sheep die offs resulted in the closure of hunting districts until the herds recover
.
FWP says the meat was donated to local families and the horns will be used for educational purposes.