49 released bighorn sheep have formed a new herd in their new home in the Little Belt Mountains.

After storming out of the cattle truck and scattering like a wildfire, 49 released bighorn sheep have formed a new herd in their new home in the Little Belt Mountains.

U.S. News reports that the sheep were released on December 17, the day after capture operations began on the south side of the Missouri River near Winifred in Hunting District 482.

“The sheep population there is 20% above FWP’s objective. Quicksilver Air Inc. was contracted to net and capture the animals from a helicopter. The helicopter crew then flew the captured sheep to FWP’s staff and volunteers waiting nearby. At the transition site, the animals were given a physical, collared and prepared for a stock trailer ride to the Little Belts.”

Tracking the animal’s GPS collars, the biologists could see that some rams have traveled up to 10 miles before returning to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

The herding instinct of these animals is truly incredible. 

“The sheep population there is 20% above FWP’s objective. Quicksilver Air Inc. was contracted to net and capture the animals from a helicopter. The helicopter crew then flew the captured sheep to FWP’s staff and volunteers waiting nearby. At the transition site, the animals were given a physical, collared and prepared for a stock trailer ride to the Little Belts.”

Tracking the animal’s GPS collars, the biologists could see that some rams have traveled up to 10 miles before returning to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

The herding instinct of these animals is truly incredible. 


Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen's readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting pocket knives.

Subscribe to
our newsletter