DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) — A bighorn sheep herd has been thriving among the steep rocks of Deadwood Hill.

In February, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department released 26 sheep into the Grizzly Gulch burn area, and most of the herd has since remained there.

A 3-year-old ram left the area and traveled near St. Onge, where it came in contact with domestic sheep, and then turned around and headed back to Deadwood. The Black Hills Pioneer reports that department employees shot the ram before it came into contact with wild sheep.

Two ewes were killed by vehicles, one died as the result of a capture, and another died of unknown reasons.

At least 13 lambs joined the herd this spring.

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