California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) home range position shifted and range size was reduced when cattle (Bos taurus) were relocated into an allotment adjacent to sites with high sheep use. When cattle were moved into bighorn sheep core areas, distances moved by sheep increased by 355% compared to usual sheep movements (3,000 vs. 845 m, respectively). The mean distance between sheep and their escape terrain decreased as cattle and sheep were in closer proximity, suggesting that cattle are seen as a threat. Bighorn sheep newly reintroduced to the area were more sensitive to cattle presence than sheep that had been in the area longer.
Citations and enhanced abstracts for journals articles and documents focused on rangeland ecology and management. RSIS is a collaboration between Montana State University, University of Idaho, and University of Wyoming.