Utah Field Guide - Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

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The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, is native to rugged mountainous areas of western North America. Unfortunately, the species has been eliminated from much of its former range due to over-hunting, habitat alterations, and diseases introduced by domestic livestock. In Utah, a great deal of effort has gone into re-establishing Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, and the species can now be found in a number of mountain ranges.

Solid and stocky, with a large set of curled horns, the rams put on quite a show during the rut. Males engage in violent battles, smashing heads with other rams all in a show of dominance and the right to mate. Fortunately, Bighorn sheep have a double-layered skull, honeycombed with bone struts to protect their brains and thick tendons linking the skull and spine to help recoil from the impact.

November and December are great months to view these amazing animals and coming up, the DWR is holding a free bighorn viewing event December 3rd along the Green River corridor where we found this herd grazing in the evening sun. For more information, log onto the DWR's website at wildlife.utah.gov