Bighorn Sheep: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Horns and Trunks · day 5 of 7

Five facts

1. A bighorn ram's horns can weigh up to 14 kg, as much as all the bones in his body.
2. Rams walk away from each other, turn, then jump and lunge into headbutts. Frequent sparring leaves their horn tips missing, or broomed.
3. A newborn bighorn lamb weighs 3.6 to 4.5 kg and can walk within hours.
4. In spring, pregnant Rocky Mountain ewes climb to alpine areas, probably to give birth safer from predators, though food there is poorer.
5. Rocky Mountain rams use at least three courting strategies. The most common is tending: a ram follows and defends a ewe in estrus.

The quiz

1. A bighorn ram's horns can weigh as much as what?

• His whole skull
• All the bones in his body (correct)
• Both his front legs
• His full coat of hair

The horns can weigh as much as all the bones in his body.

2. What do rams do before jumping into headbutts?

• Walk away, then turn to face each other (correct)
• Roar loudly
• Kneel down
• Circle each other slowly

They walk away from each other, then turn to face each other.

3. How soon can a newborn bighorn lamb walk?

• After one week
• After a month
• After two days
• Within hours (correct)

A newborn lamb can walk within hours.

4. Where do pregnant Rocky Mountain ewes go in spring?

• To desert valleys
• To dense lowland forests
• To alpine areas (correct)
• To sea cliffs

They climb to alpine areas in spring, probably to give birth away from predators.

5. What is the most common courting strategy of Rocky Mountain rams?

• Roaring
• Tending (correct)
• Nest building
• Singing

The most common strategy is tending, where a ram follows and defends a ewe.

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