Special Sub-Topic: Bighorn Sheep Click Here To Play: Bighorn Sheep

In which U.S. state is bighorn sheep the state mammal?

Colorado & CO. I think that the state of Colorado should be commended for their thoughtfulness and protection of such an interesting creature. Unfortunately, bighorn sheep hunting is legal nonetheless in Colorado and many other western states where bighorns live.

What determines dominance of a ram in a herd of bighorn sheep?

Horn size. Bighorn sheep seem to value size of the ram's horn in leadership. It seems to me a funny thing to judge people by.

Do rams usually battle to the death when fighting for an ewe?

n. Many people have heard of the battles between rams, if not heard them directly, as they are quite loud. The two rams attack each other by skull to skull contact. But when one ram is exhausted or physically unable to continue he will walk away and allow the other ram to claim his ewe.

Do rams and ewes have different life spans?

y. Rams will usually live from 8-10 years, and ewes will usually live for 9-12 years.

In which of the following habitats would a bighorn sheep least likely be found?

At sea level in a wet area with a lot of rainfall. Bighorn sheep in America can be found in deserts as well as mountains. Although technically the same animal, clearly desert bighorns and Rocky Mountain bighorns live very different lives due to their differing needs. Yellowstone National Park might be a good place to see Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, as it is highly elevated.

How long is the typical gestation period of bighorn sheep?

About 6 months. The mating season of the bighorn sheep is in usually in early winter from late October to Early January, so the majority of the offspring will usually emerge in March, April, May, or June.

What is the approximate length of a ram's horn?

30-40 inches. The circumference of the horn at its base is an incredible 13 inches, and the horns can weigh up to 30 lbs.!

What is the scientific name of the bighorn sheep?

Ovis canadensis. As desert bighorns and Rocky Mountain bighorns are really the same sheep, a subspecies is needed to distinguish scientifically between the two. Rocky mountain bighorns are called Ovis canadensis canadensis, while there are several subspecies of desert bighorns. A few are Ovis canadensis mexicana and Ovis canadensis nelsoni.

Bighorn sheep have fantastic eyesight.

t. Bighorn sheep have outstanding eyesight, and this can easily be proven by trying to sneak up on one. It's almost impossible, unless of course the bighorn is unable to flee to any location. The bighorn is very shy of humans, and apparently with good reason, as humans have driven them away from their habitats.

What is believed to be the reason of, "brooming," or intentional removal of the ends of the horns of a ram?

To preserve peripheral vision. None of the other options really make sense, as a ram with broomed horns would seem to me to be a liability and a sign of weakness, but actually it is quite common, so it is ignored in the bighorn sheep community. The ram does this usually by grinding its horns against rocks or other objects.