BIOLOGIST’S CORNER
by Brittany Wagler Research Scientist, Monteith Shop, University of Wyoming
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Photos: Ben Kraushaar
“RISK AND REWARD CAPTURING BIGHORN SHEEP VIA HELICOPTER NET-GUNNING”
apture of bighorn sheep and associated data collection has provided critical information to biologists and managers in the past few decades. We have identified pathogens associated with pneumonia die-offs and have implemented surveillance programs, across the West. Furthermore, advancements in understanding movement behaviors of bighorn sheep have assisted with 18 WILD S HEEP® ~ SUMMER 2022
prediction of the risk of contact between wild and domestic sheep in different habitat types. Present-day conservation efforts of wild sheep, including translocations, rely heavily on capture. Helicopter net-gunning is the standard capture method for bighorn sheep. Wildlife biologists and managers prefer this method because it allows for efficient and targeted capture of bighorns, in all types of
terrain. It does not require chemical immobilization, which is appealing for wild sheep because they tend to get into pretty nasty terrain in the time it takes for drugs to kick in, which can be dangerous for both the animals and the personnel involved. No matter the method used, wildlife capture can impose risk to animals such as physiological stress, short-term changes in behavior, and mortality. Capture-related mortality
