Bighorn herd rebounds from disease to reach record numbers
by The Associated Press
Last Updated Apr 12, 2021 at 11:14 am EDT
BISMARCK, N.D. Bighorns in western North Dakota have rebounded from an outbreak of bacterial pneumonia seven years ago to reach record numbers, according to the state Game and Fish Department’s survey.
The herd south of Interstate 94, however, continues to struggle and and is at its smallest size in about two decades, the survey showed.
The count shows 322 bighorns, up 11% from 2019 and 13% above the five-year average.
About 40 bighorns in the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park and sheep recently introduced to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation aren’t included in the count, the Bismarck Tribune reported.
North Dakota wildlife officials tout historical significance of bighorn count
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April 10, 2021
NPS Photo/R. Skalsky
THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK, N.D. Firefighters are making progress with the eight-square-mile Horse Pasture Fire in Theodore Roosevelt State Park, reaching 80% containment on Saturday afternoon. Fire activity on Friday and Friday night was minimal, with occasional flare-ups in the interior.
No structure damage has been reported, but officials say some structures could still be at risk.
No injuries or wildlife losses have been reported. Over 80 firefighters from state and federal agencies are working on the blaze.
The Horse Pasture Fire was initially reported on Saturday, April 3, in the McKenzie Ranger District of the Little Missouri National Grassland. The Little Missouri National Grassland is the largest grassland in the country at 1,033,271 acres.
Horse Pasture Fire 80% contained
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