Concerns Raised Over Cloud Seeding's Impact on Bighorn Sheep in Wind Rivers

Concerns over the health of bighorn sheep in Wyoming took center stage during a recent meeting of the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources committee. Representative Johnson raised alarms about the ongoing respiratory issues affecting the bighorn sheep population in the Wind Rivers, questioning the long-held belief that domestic sheep were to blame for these problems.

For decades, domestic sheep have been implicated in the decline of bighorn sheep health, but Johnson pointed out that there have been no domestic sheep in the affected allotments for over 20 years. Despite this absence, the bighorn population has not rebounded, leading Johnson to suggest that other factors may be at play.

A significant concern highlighted was the impact of cloud seeding on the bighorn sheep. Johnson expressed worries that the chemicals used in cloud seeding could be contributing to the respiratory issues observed in the bighorn population. "Are we testing to see with these respiratory issues, whether it's coming from the chemicals that are in these cloud seeding programs?" Johnson asked, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation.

However, committee members noted that there has been little research on the potential effects of cloud seeding on wildlife. Current reports from Wyoming Game and Fish attribute the respiratory problems to low selenium levels in the sheep's summer forage, rather than environmental factors like cloud seeding.

As discussions continue, the committee faces the challenge of addressing the health of bighorn sheep while considering the implications of agricultural practices and environmental interventions. The need for further research into the effects of cloud seeding on wildlife health is becoming increasingly urgent, as stakeholders seek to understand the complex dynamics affecting these iconic animals.