Introduction to Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep are native to North America, primarily found in the Rocky Mountains. They are named for their large, curved horns. These animals are excellent climbers, inhabiting steep, rugged terrains.

A male bighorn sheep's horns can weigh up to 30 pounds, more than all the bones in their body combined! Horns grow throughout their life, forming distinct rings that can be used to determine age.

Bighorn sheep have specially adapted hooves with rough bottoms that act like suction cups, aiding in their exceptional climbing ability. They can scale near-vertical cliffs with ease, escaping predators and accessing food.

They live in a complex social hierarchy. Males, known as rams, engage in head-butting contests to establish dominance, which can last up to 24 hours. Females, called ewes, form separate groups with their young.

Once near extinction due to overhunting and disease, bighorn sheep populations have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts. Programs focusing on habitat restoration and disease management have been pivotal in their recovery.

Bighorn sheep can leap over 20 feet in a single bound, using their powerful hind legs, even on steep, rocky terrains. Truly nature's acrobats!