Bighorn Sheeps - Behavior
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Photo courtesy of
DesertUSA © 1996-2003
DesertUSA.com and Digital West Media Inc.
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Bighorn sheep are gregarious animals and often form herds of 100 or more individuals, but can be seen in small groups of 8-10. Adult males graze separately from females and lambs. Bighorn sheep migrate seasonally searching for food. They have their own migratory paths and the youth learns them from the adults in the group.
The hierarchy among rams is based on the age and size of the horns. Males don't defend their territory, but use their horns in battles for females. Combats between males can be very severe and sometimes last for up to 24 hours. Bighorn sheep are very alert and have excellent eyesight. They judge the distances accurately while jumping. They notice the danger early and that allows them to run away.
This species is not as vocal as domestic sheep. Bighorn sheep utter throaty sounds when they are frightened. The lambs bleat and the females respond to them with guttural sounds.
Bighorn Sheeps - Status
In pristine times the population of Bighorn sheep was tens of thousands, but in the beginning of the 20th century only about 30,000 of them were left. This decline is attributed to excessive hunting, competition with domestic stock for food, getting viruses, and usurpation of watering areas and habitat changes. The hunting was banned and permitted only in 1980's. Since the early 1990's the hunting has been prohibited or controlled again. The number of Bighorn sheep fluctuate greatly depending upon food available and climate.
Bighorn Sheeps - General Info Links
A Note about Bighorn Sheep - A very detailed description of these animals and their habitat.
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Photo courtesy of
State of South Dakota
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Animal Diversity. Bighorn Sheep - A very detailed description of Bighorn sheep, their reproduction, diet, life cycle and habits.
Animal Gallery - Many photos of Bighorn sheep and other animals.
Animal Info. Bighorn Sheep - Lifestyle and basic description of Bighorn sheep and related species.
Bighorn Mountain Sheep - Distribution and biology of this animals.
Bighorn Sheep - National Park Service - Natural history and social organization of Bighorn sheep.
Bighorn Sheep Center - The National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, located in Dubois, Wyoming, is an educational and enjoyable wildlife experience for everyone.
Bighorn Sheep in Colorado - Read basic facts about this mammal symbol of Colorado.
Bighorn Sheep Info - General information and many useful links concerning these animals.
Bighorn Sheep Profile - Basic information about habits and adaptation of these animals.
Canadian Mammals - Quick facts about Bighorn sheep and other mammals living in Canada.
Colorado Guide - Learn about the natural history of this species and where you can watch them closely.
Desert Bighorn Sheep on the Arizona Strip - Distribution and abundance of Bighorn sheep in various parts of the USA.
Desert USA. Bighorn Sheep - Detailed description of these animals including their breeding, diet, habitat and social organization.
Montana Bighorn Sheep - An article about these animals written for children.
Mountain Photos - A gallery of Bighorn sheep images in the wild.
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Photo courtesy of
Western Design © 2001
WesternDesign-TheCompany.com
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Natureworks. Bighorn Sheep - Physical characteristics, description, diet and habitat of these animals.
Northwest Bighorn - Quick facts about the life of the species and its importance for humans.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep - Learn how to identify the species and where you can see it.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Facts - Food web, adaptations, niche and social organization of this species.
Sustainable Resource Development - Read about hunting these animals in Canada.
Texas Park and Wildlife - Basic information on Mountain sheep, the species related to Bighorn sheep.
Wild Animals - Gives basic description of these animals and related species written for children.
