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15 More Desert Bighorns Transplanted In West Colorado

MONTROSE, Colo. (AP) — Colorado Parks and Wildlife biologists have transplanted 15 more desert bighorn sheep in the Dolores River canyon in western Colorado to help boost a population there.

The sheep were captured south of Slick Rock and were transplanted last month.

Biologists also transplanted 15 sheep fitted with GPS radio collars in the canyon in 2010. One of those sheep died, and another returned to the Slick Rock area. But wildlife officials say the rest have survived, along with lambs born to some of the transplanted ewes.

Biologists estimate there are now about 60 desert bighorn sheep in a herd in the area, including the transplants.

The GPS radio collars on the animals will help biologists learn more about the terrain the sheep use. The collars last about three years.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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