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Local Bighorn Herd Continues to Ail

January 27, 2026 by Tina Cluver

BHS2 Boulder City Nevada — Nevada Department of Wildlife biologists take blood samples while performing a physical examination on a bighorn sheep at Hemenway Park. The agency periodically tests sheep that frequent the park as part of a long-term health monitoring project that began when pneumonia was found in the herd in 2013. 📸: Photo taken courtesy Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW)

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) announced that the Bighorn sheep herd in Hemenway Valley continues to struggle with pneumonia. The illness, contracted from other sheep, has reduced the herd from approximately 350 animals to less than 200. The respiratory illness is especially devastating to the youngest members of the herd who are born without immunity to it.

NDOW officials say little can be done to assist the sheep, other than to keep humans and domesticated wildlife, like dogs, away from the sheep. Hemenway Park remains a favorite location for both the sheep and people who enjoy observing them. Unfortunately, people have been known to mingle within the herd or to offer the sheep food, which can make the sheep sick.

You can read more about the latest health report for the sheep HERE. The City also has a special camera set up to observe the sheep at Hemenway Park. You can find it HERE.