BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ North Dakota wildlife officials have moved a dozen bighorn sheep away from a well-traveled highway, with the help of a helicopter.
Several sheep in the last few years have been killed by vehicles along Highway 85 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Traffic on the highway has increased since the start of the oil boom.
Game and Fish Department officials say the helicopter crew captured one ram, seven ewes and four lambs. The sheep were trailered to a release site and set free.
Game and Fish spokesman Randy Kreil (KRYL) says the bighorn sheep are ``valuable animals to the public.''
The helicopter crew was already in western North Dakota capturing mule deer for a study on the impact of oil development on the animals.
