Bighorn sheep translocations reduce collision risk, strengthen wild populations

AZGFD and Freeport McMoRan team up to reduce hazards, help herds MORENCI, Ariz. — One of the world’s most productive copper mines is also one of Arizona’s most reliable sources of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. In a win-win for Arizona’s sheep populations and the community of Morenci, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) wildlife managers routinely move sheep from dangerous locations amid mining operations and local traffic to areas where they can have a positive impact. “These translocations are great because AZGFD is able to boost the numbers of wild Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and also lessen the hazard of vehicle collisions in the mine and nearby town,” said Justin Winter, AZGFD terrestrial senior wildlife specialist. The bighorns are not shy about entering Freeport McMoRan’s open-pit copper mining operation, but predators are — meaning there’s no natural check on sheep population growth. Extra sheep create increased collision risk for mine workers and other drivers along U.S. Highway 191, but they also represent a healthy source population. “You could almost consider the sheep living in the mine a nursery herd – it keeps growing sheep and we’re able to utilize that population to increase numbers in the wild,” Winter said. “The mine appreciates our translocation efforts too because each sheep we move is one less animal to pose a risk to workers and drivers.” Two herds — the East Clear Creek just outside of Winslow and the South Fork by Greer — were both started with sheep translocated from the Morenci mine. During the most recent capture at the end of August, eight sheep were taken to the Upper Blue River Area where AZGFD biologists hope they will join the local bighorns. “The Blue River herd has been slow-growing and survey numbers have been low over the past five years,” Winter said. “If these eight sheep from the mine stay in the area, they’ll be a great addition.” Some of the sheep were fitted with tracking collars, which will give wildlife managers valuable location and behavior insights. One young male sheep took a little side trip to New Mexico before rejoining the herd. “These sheep will provide really good movement data,” said Winter. “We’ll be able to see which areas of the Upper Blue River they occupy and that’ll help us refine our surveys and get a better understanding of what the population looks like.” Four of the collars were funded by donations from members of the public who support AZGFD's science-based wildlife conservation efforts. The collars will last about three years and utilize satellite-based GPS technology, giving biologists highly accurate and real-time data. Along with deploying the tracking collars, AZGFD’s assistant state wildlife veterinarian joined the capture to provide health checks.