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Bighorn sheep
Ovis canadensis
52.9467, -117.926
Field Notes
Description:
Named for it's large curved horns that can weigh up to 30 pounds, females also have horns but the are shorter and curve less. They range in color from light brown to grayish or dark, chocolate brown, with a white rump and linings on all of it's legs. Males typically weigh around 127-316 pounds, are 36-41 inches tall at the shoulder, and 69-79 inches long from the nose to the tail. Females are usually 75-188 pounds, 30-36 inches tall, and 54-67 inches long. Male bighorn sheep have large horn cores, enlarged cornual and frontal sinuses and internal bony septa. These adaptions protect their brain against clashes. Bighorn sheep share the same environment with bears. This is mutualism, because they can both share the environment together. The bighorn sheep reproduces sexually.
Habitat:
Bighorn sheep are found in mountainous areas of Alberta, canada to northern New Mexico. They are mostly around alpine meadows and grassy mountain slopes. They go on steep slopes, because they want to avoid predators, such as wolves, coyotes, and mountain lions, and they would be safer on steep slopes. Bighorn sheep prefer open habitats that facilitate earlier predator detection and provide ample graze and browse.
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