07/19/2026
HELP NEEDED - Bighorn Sheep Keep Showing up in the Strangest Places
In the last couple of weeks bighorn sheep have been spotted in places we usually don’t see them. Four appeared near Ponds Lodge in Island Park. One of these was hit on the highway and the remaining three appeared in a grain field in Ashton a few days later. Another sheep was spotted in Victor. Two have shown up on Palisades Dam, three in Montpelier, one at Craters of the Moon and four to five in heavy timber near the Montana/Idaho border.
Sheep have now been spotted in non-traditional sheep habitat in four Fish and Game Regions this summer. We do not know why these sheep are wandering or how common this behavior is. Most have been identified as yearlings, and seven of ten were yearling ewes which was also unexpected. It puts these animals at risk on highways, for contact with domestic sheep, and of increased predation.
Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation encourages its members and the public to report sightings of sheep in strange places should be reported to IDWSF at info@idahowildsheep as well as the appropriate IDFG Regional Office listed below. Observations of sheep at Reynolds Creek in Owyhee County should also be reported. Same day reporting, including accurate locations and photos, may help solve the mystery, and provide new information about bighorn sheep movements that will enhance bighorn sheep management in Idaho.
Please share the post and help spread the word. Thank you!
IDFG Regional Offices:
Panhandle Region
2885 W. Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
P: (208) 769-1414
Clearwater Region
3316 16th St., Lewiston, ID 83501
P: (208) 799-5010
Southwest Region North - McCall
555 Deinhard Lane, McCall, ID 83638
P: (208) 634-8137
Southwest Region South - Nampa
15950 N. Gate Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687
P:(208) 465-8465
Magic Valley Region
324 South 417 East - Suite 1, Jerome, ID 83338
P: (208) 324-4359
Southeast Region
1345 Barton Road, Pocatello, ID 83204
P: (208) 232-4703
Upper Snake Region
4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
P: (208) 525-7290
Salmon Region
99 Hwy. 93 N., Salmon, ID 83467
P: (208) 208-756-2271
