Texas reintroduces bighorn sheep to restore ecosystem balance

Two desert bighorn sheep were released in west Texas, marking a significant step in rewilding efforts. These animals had disappeared from the region by 1958 due to disease and habitat loss. Conservation efforts have since increased their population to about 20,000 across the Southwest. The new herd, released near Alpine, aims to restore the natural balance in an urbanized landscape. The bighorns are adapting to their environment, with half of the ewes pregnant, indicating a potential increase in their numbers this spring. As the bighorns settle in, they may attract predators like mountain lions back to the mountains. This situation highlights the need for humans and wildlife to coexist in the changing landscape of the American West.