Governments, stakeholders, conservation groups, hunting groups and farmers are working together to develop solutions that allow for both the conservation of wild sheep and a sustainable domestic sheep industry in British Columbia. Solutions that have been developed are not exclusive or one-sided; they include the needs of both wild and domestic sheep.

Government’s Role

The province of British Columbia, together with stakeholder groups and domestic sheep producers, take a lead role in developing recovery projects and monitoring programs for wild sheep across BC. These projects are a high priority for local and provincial government.

Non-Government Organizations’ Role

Non-government organizations such as the North American Sheep and Goat Council (NWSGC) and the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS) are working collaboratively with the Ministry of Environment and sheep and goat producers to develop regional plans for wild sheep. They provide advice and voice their concerns for the conservation of wild sheep. Some organizations, such as Bighorn In Our Backyard, are run by local volunteers to assist the government in monitoring wild sheep health and populations.

Producers / Farmers’ Role

Domestic sheep and goat producers have been working collaboratively with Ministry of Environment biologists and veterinarians to play a major part in maintaining wild sheep health and populations. Mitigation actions in BC have included:

• Maintaining high health status for domestic flocks and herds
• Using guardian dogs to create buffers between domestic animals and wildlife
• Changing the species that is farmed in the highest risk areas
• Renting out portions of land exclusively for wild sheep grazing
• Conservation/Stewardship covenants
• Buy-outs with governmental compensation to the producer

How Can BC Sheep Farmers Get Involved?

• Locate your farm on the wild sheep distribution map and determine whether you are farming in wild sheep habitat.
• Work together with your regular veterinarian to maintain your sheep herds at a high level of health, including regular vaccinations, deworming and high nutritional health (see the Health Protocol for sheep used for vegetation management in BC).
• Use guardian dogs to avoid predation and to keep wild sheep away.
• Maintain fences to prevent escape of domestic sheep and reduce contact between farm animals and wildlife. Some farms in high risk areas use double or electric fencing.
• Never allow unattended grazing of sheep in or near wild sheep habitat.
• Report all domestic sheep that have escaped in or near wild sheep territory to your local Ministry of Environment office.
• If you are in a high risk area and can not prevent contact between your farm animals and wild sheep, please contact the Ministry to work together to find a solution.

What Can BC Residents Do to Help?

• Know if you live, farm or play in wild sheep country by viewing the wild sheep distribution map.
• Know when high risk times are for wild sheep:
  • Rut: Rut is the breeding season from early to late fall. Males, especially young rams, may travel far and wide to search for mates. These males may wander near farms, especially if domestic ewes are in estrous.
  • Lambing season: Lambing takes place in late May and early June. Hikers, rock climbers, and helicopters on or around lambing grounds can create a lot of stress for the ewes and young lambs. This may increase their likelihood of developing disease. For more information see Wild Sheep Health.
• Be comfortable recognizing different kinds of wild sheep (see Identifying Wild Sheep) and their general health condition (see Wild Sheep Health).
• Report sightings of wild sheep if you see:
  • Wild sheep that are mingling with any kind of farm animal, particularly sheep or goats.
  • Any wild sheep that appears sick, whether alone, with a herd of other wild sheep, or mingling with domestic animals. These sightings can provide extremely valuable information for local managers. Signs of illness in a wild sheep include:
    • Coughing
    • Obvious discharge from the nose or eyes
    • Scabs around the face
    • Cloudy eyes, may act blind
    • Listless
    • Skinny
    • Standing alone, away from the herd
    • Unable to keep up with the herd
    • Easy to approach