It’s hot, no strike that- it’s d__n H-O-T, in southern Nevada now. And although gamers are content luxuriating in air-conditioned comfort in Las Vegas casinos for their adventures, meanwhile Nevada’s iconic state animals – desert bighorn sheep – are resigned to deftly tip-hoof around on scorching hot, unstable mountain rocks, while haplessly pursuing water and shade wherever possible.
Well, for some lucky desert bighorn sheep, although some may consider them turncoats, that’s changed, as they are happily heading to Utah! Yep, and if that is not a cool adventure enough – with their new digs, hopefully, a wee bit more habitable – they also get to mate all day long!
Oh, my! Like, where do you apply for adventures like that nowadays? Courtesy of the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), in conjunction with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.
What recently occurred on June 28 is 30 “winning” Nevada desert bighorn sheep – 26 ewes (females) and lambs and 4 rams (lucky boys, not trucks) – were transported from the Muddy Mountains in the Valley of FIRE in Nevada to Sky Rider Wilderness Ranch in Duchesne County in Utah.
Why? Well, although NDOW officials say the Nevada desert bighorn sheep population is doing well, for now, the extreme drought in the area experienced over the last two years has put a definite damper on the supporting habitat. Looking forward, their feeling is by reducing the sheep population in Nevada it would bode better for sustained life.
While in Utah, the sheep will be protected by enclosed fencing and experience a better habitat, enabling them to enjoy true bliss.
And, as the sheep population grows there, plans are to transport them to other Utah locations and form sheep herds.
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Great, thank you.