Texas Wildlife Conservation: Flying Bighorn Sheep To Safety

Texas is such a magical place, you never really know what you are going to see next, but I am willing to bet you probably did not start your day thinking you would be checking out flying sheep? We have all heard of the term, "When pigs fly," but even when they actually do, they seem to prefer commercial airlines.

Besides being magical, Texas is also ginormous and even some of our native animals have the name, "Big." Bighorn sheep are flying across west Texas as a herd of nearly 100 are being relocated from one mountain range to another.

New Flying Sheep Video Sure Is Turning Heads In Texas

This group of bighorn sheep are being transported around 300 miles, and the best way to do that due to the terrain is to harness and suspend them from helicopters as they are being moved from Elephant Mountain in Alpine to the Franklin Mountains in El Paso.

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Why does Texas Parks and Wildlife need to relocate the sheep?

Turns out, according to this KVUE article, several bighorn sheep have died recently due to disease and illness, so in an effort to keep promoting population growth, the Texas Parks and Wildlife were able to find a healthy herd in Alpine, and now they want them to begin spreading their disease resistant genes in El Paso.

If all goes well, the once extinct bighorn population that was reintroduced to Texas will begin to thrive again in multiple areas.

Dangerous, Exotic Animals You Can Now Legally Own in Texas

Texas has an estimated 7.2 million dogs, more than any other state. But perhaps you’re interested in branching out a bit and adding a less common exotic pet to your home.

Granted a few of these exotics are regulated and will require permits.

Animals You Can Hunt Year Round in Texas

Certain animals can be hunted in the Lone Star State all year round. However, there are still rules put in place by the Texas Parks and Wildlife that have to be followed or you are breaking the law.

Gallery Credit: Lori Crofford