The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a species of sheep unique to the Rocky Mountains and is named for the male's (ram) large horns. These horns can weigh up to 30 pounds, while the sheep themselves weigh up to 300 pounds. As horns, they do not shed and a ram's age and health can be determined by their growth rings. The tips of the horns often break off as the rams fight with each other for breeding rights or because the ram has broomed them off by rubbing the tips on hard (usually rock)...
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The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a species of sheep unique to the Rocky Mountains and is named for the male's (ram) large horns. These horns can weigh up to 30 pounds, while the sheep themselves weigh up to 300 pounds. As horns, they do not shed and a ram's age and health can be determined by their growth rings. The tips of the horns often break off as the rams fight with each other for breeding rights or because the ram has broomed them off by rubbing the tips on hard (usually rock) surfaces for a better peripheral view. Gardiner Canyon, Yellowstone.
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