In earlier times, wild sheep were much more abundant than they are today. In the late 1800’s, hunting was poorly regulated and over-hunting decimated herds in many regions of North America. This was followed by agricultural and urban development, bringing with it human disturbances, domestic animal competition and novel diseases. In the mid 1900’s, bighorn sheep numbers were at an all-time low. At that time, hunting was more closely managed or prohibited in many regions, and the reintroduction of bighorn sheep into vacant ranges began in a number of areas of Western North America.

Over the past three decades, multiple government agencies, organizations and universities have worked to conserve and sustain wild sheep populations. Past and present research furthers our understanding of the biology and behaviour of wild sheep, their habitats, health, and effects of human development on all of these. Many herds are routinely monitored to determine their health and population status and guide their management.

Conservation measures have resulted in an increase in numbers of some wild sheep herds in British Columbia, however some are still declining or static. Other jurisdictions have had varying success with their wild sheep conservation and restoration programs. Outbreaks of diseases, especially pneumonia, have had devastating effects on many bighorn sheep populations, at times resulting in the elimination of entire herds in Canada and the United States. Factors other than disease are also associated with herds suffering declines, with or without disease outbreaks. These include reduction in habitat quality and quantity by agricultural and urban development, invasive weeds, in-growth of forests, unregulated hunting, predation and human disturbance and harassment. Maintaining healthy self-sustaining wild sheep populations can only be done by wildlife agencies sharing information and working with stakeholders, communities, local outdoor enthusiasts, hunting and guiding industries, sheep and goat producers, and the general public. Successful conservation is a team effort.

Wild Sheep Conservation Status in BC

In May 2006, bighorn sheep were listed as a “Species of Concern (Blue List)” in British Columbia. This means that without protection, they are likely to become threatened or endangered.

Thinhorn sheep are listed as “Not at Risk (Yellow List)” in BC. Due to their remote ranges, the thinhorn herds have maintained stable numbers. However, increased access and use of the back country by the outdoor and recreation industry, exploration and extraction of resources, expanding human development, and the presence of domestic sheep and goats grazing close to wild sheep range are all causing concern for the thinhorns’ future.

Current species status reports can be found at the following links:

• Status of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in BC
• Status of California Bighorn Sheep in BC
• Status of Thinhorn Sheep in BC