Sage grouse population strengthened in Alberta by 38 hens from Montana

Sagegrouse hens that were captured in Montana have been released in three mating sites in southeastern Alberta.

The 38 birds have been fitted with GPS so Alberta Environment can monitor their breeding and nesting.

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Sagegrouse are an endangered species in Alberta and this is part of aplan to increase their numbers.

"Alberta is grateful to Montana for this international co-operation and the opportunity to share knowledge and resources that will give the sagegrouse an opportunity to thrive in our province,"saidShannon Phillips, minister of Environment and Parks in a news release.

"This initiative is vital to Alberta's continued species-at-risk recovery efforts."

This follows an operation earlier this month where 87 wild bison were moved from Alberta's Elk Island Park to Browning, Mont.,to repopulate that area.