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Bighorn sheep

Ovis canadensis

Photo by Lee C.
Published on Project Noah
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40.3333, -105.709

Field Notes

Description:

Wikipedia: "The bighorn sheep is a species of sheep in North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to 30 lb (14 kg), while the sheep themselves weigh up to 300 lb (140 kg)... Both males and females have horns but the females' horns are smaller... Bighorn ewes have a six-month gestation... In temperate climates, the peak of the rut occurs in November with one, or rarely two, lambs being born in May... Newborn lambs weigh from 8 to 10 lb (3.6 to 4.5 kg) and can walk within hours. The lambs are then weaned when they reach four to six months old. The lifespan of rams is typically 9–12 years, and 10–14 years for ewes."

Habitat:

National Geographic: "Bighorns inhabit the mountains from Canada south to New Mexico. They are relatives of goats, and have balance-aiding split hooves and rough hoof bottoms for natural grip. These attributes, along with keen vision, help them move easily about rocky, rugged mountain terrain."

Notes:

First picture is a ram. Second picture is a ewe followed by her lamb.

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Photographed
PublishedSeptember 2, 2014

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