The State - News from March 27, 1986

State officials are concerned about the death of another bighorn sheep in Yosemite National Park, but not so much so that they are considering airlifting in any more of the animals. Dick Weaver, a wildlife biologist, said he was “disappointed, but not unduly alarmed” by the death of the seventh sheep among the flock of 27 which was relocated from lower elevations in the Sierra Nevada range earlier this month. Weaver said the deaths, which would normally be expected soon after release due to shock, have not hurt the chances of bighorn sheep renewal in the area. “Reintroductions of bighorn sheep have been successful with as few as eight animals,” Weaver said, “but we can augment the population if it becomes necessary.”