Las Vegas, Nevada & Bozeman, Montana -- A population of desert bighorn sheep in southern Nevada is at risk from chronic drought conditions impacting both surface water and available forage. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), KUIU, Grand Slam Club Ovis (GSCO), Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn (FDB), Nevada Bighorns Unlimited (NBU), and the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) are on a rescue mission.

"Emergency water hauls are unfortunately nothing new," said WSF's Gray N. Thornton, President & CEO." However, this situation is different. Bringing water to this population to tide them over isn't enough. Forage to support them is next to none. Up to 150 sheep will need to be moved to suitable habitat to avoid a disaster."

"Swift active management in this situation is needed," stated Patrick Cummings, President of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn. "In all cases involving wild sheep, a collaborative conservation effort is required. Job one is rallying up the money. That was the easy part. Our community cares and acts."

NDOW was able to direct $500,000 from its Heritage Fund toward emergency water hauls and the transplant of desert bighorn sheep from the affected ranges in southern Nevada. KUIU and GSCO combined to pledge $250,000 in support of NDOW’s actions. Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, and Wild Sheep Foundation each pledged $100,000 for a total of $1.05 million to address this water and habitat carrying capacity emergency.

“The plan is to capture and move roughly 150 sheep, with the majority being sent to the Cortez and Tobin Mountains, and the remainder going to support the nursey herd in Utah,” said Clint Bentley, WSF Director and Past President of the Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn. “Further, to support the remaining sheep in the Muddy Mountains, supplemental water hauls will be provided to meet critical needs. A greatly needed and collaborative effort by all involved.”

FDB and WSF collectively give thanks to NDOW and all the funding partners for their swift and generous response.

“When our commitment is to do everything possible for a wildlife resource in the face of emerging challenges, it is heartening to see our community coming together for Nevada’s desert bighorn sheep,” Thornton concluded.