CHADRON, NE - Bighorn sheep in the Panhandle are sporting some new hardware this week thanks to the work of a helicopter capture crew, wildlife professionals and volunteers.

According to a Nebraska Game and Parks news release, South Dakota State University joined Game and Parks in capturing and processing a total of 44 sheep Thursday, Friday and Saturday — 28 in the Wildcat Hills near McGrew and 16 at three locations in the Pine Ridge near Chadron and Crawford.

Wildlife professionals have ramped up monitoring efforts in recent years to combat disease issues with Nebraska’s bighorn sheep, the most notable being Mycoplasma pneumonia. All captured sheep were released on site.

The sheep that were released received new tracking collars and ear tags, in addition to undergoing a series of tissue samples and vaccinations. 

A team of about 50 people were involved with the project and its preparations. The team consisted of personnel from Game and Parks, South Dakota State University, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the Lincoln Zoo and the Alliance Animal Clinic. Chadron State College students also joined the effort in the Pine Ridge.