The Norwegian sheep farming system is based on extensive use of natural open ranges pastures where 40-50 percentage of the total annual feed can be consumed. Lambs are born during late winter or spring, and sheep and lambs graze on fenced farmland before being released on open forested or alpine ranges. The animals are gathered in September, and selected lambs are then slaughtered. After a period of autumn grazing on farmland, retained animals are again fed indoors. There are several local adaptations. In coastal areas the sheep can graze outdoors all year round, while owners without adequate land for spring grazing let the animals out on the open range pastures directly from their in-house feeding. This paper discusses the environmental impact and problems for the sheep industry caused by the extensive use of open ranges and the protection of carnivores, and draws attention to some measures to be evaluated if co-existence is to be made possible.