On October 1st at 4:00 p.m. westbound vehicles had stopped for a herd of 12 Big Horn Sheep crossing Hwy 3 in the four lane 100 kph zone to the east of Standing Rock.

An eastbound Ford F250 Pick Up operated by a 56 year old male and a Dodge Ram Pick Up operated by a 75 year old male failed to stop for the sheep killing five and injuring two others.   Some of the sheep were thrown into the stopped westbound vehicles damaging same.  Neither eastbound vehicle stopped at the scene.

A joint investigation by South Okanagan Traffic Services and the BC Conservation Officer Service resulted in both vehicles being located.  One vehicle was located at a residence in Keremeos.  The other vehicle was located at a repair shop in Keremeos.

Charges of Failing to Report Accidental Killing of Wildlife on Highway, Failing to Remain at the Scene of an Accident, and Drive Without Consideration of Others have been laid.  One male resides locally. The other male resides on Vancouver Island.

Publisher: RCMP believe only about 25 sheep left in herd near Keremeos. Advising the public to drive safe and play fair with the herd. If you have further info on herd size in Similkameen or the South Okanagan – please contact ODN.