Think Out Loud What does it take to protect bighorn sheep?
Feb 23, 2026
Austin Smith Jr., general manager for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs natural resources branch, is an expert in bighorn sheep restoration and disease management. He recounts tribal-led recovery work that grew small herds into thriving populations. He explains current threats like disease from domestic flocks, predation, and climate, and describes practical protection measures and creative conservation fundraising.
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Tribe Led Early Bighorn Reintroduction Effort
- The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs lobbied NGOs and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to reintroduce bighorn into suitable habitat starting in the 1980s.
- They helped remove domestic sheep from key areas and supported habitat recovery, enabling repopulation projects across Oregon.
Small Translocations Can Scale Into Robust Populations
- A 20-animal translocation to the Warm Springs reservation grew to over 300 sheep in 23 years, showing small reintroductions can scale when habitat and management align.
- Similar recoveries occurred in John Day and Deschutes basins where habitat returned and protections were applied.
Disease From Domestics Is The Top Threat
- Disease, especially Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, is the greatest ongoing threat to bighorn sheep and can cause fatal pneumonia outbreaks.
- Most transmission risk comes from contact with domestic sheep and goats kept by producers.