Bighorn Sheep | Badlands In the fall, Bighorn Sheep carry their full winter coat. They look so majestic in the early morning sun against the mountains. For the whole story with all images, see Bighorn Sheep | a 7 Image Story.
Bighorn Sheep | Slippery Slope Bighorn Sheep are so majestic. They seem to be more comfortable when they standing on the side of a mountain. Just walking down the road does not appeal to them. For the whole story with all images, see Bighorn Sheep | a 7 Image Story.
Bighorn Sheep | Portrait In Yellowstone’s winter, the bighorn herds move to lower-elevation mountain pastures where it’s easier to capture a nice photo. They stand out against the snow in their full winter coats. Those huge horns can weigh up to 30 pounds. For the whole story with all images, see Bighorn Sheep | a 7 Image Story.
Bighorn Sheep | Eye Horn Their symmetric lines seem to draw the wildlife photographer. For the whole story with all images, see Bighorn Sheep | a 7 Image Story.
Bighorn Sheep | a 7 Image Story Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are found in western Canada and western United States. These images were captured at Badlands NP and Yellowstone NP. Bighorn Sheep are the largest wild sheep in North America. A large ram can weigh over 300 pounds with ewes weighing less than 150 pounds. Rams have large, tightly curled horns weighing up to 30 pounds, while ewes slightly curved, shorter horns. They are well known for their ability to climb high, steep, rocky mountain areas where they can evade predators. Their hooves are hard around the outside and soft on the inside giving them better traction on slippery rocky terrain. Their tan or brown fur with white belly, rump, and muzzle blend into the mountain background.
Photographing Bighorn Sheep seems much easier than other wildlife; particularly in the national parks where they are more accustomed to seeing people. Using a vehicle as a blind and safe cover allows you to get very close without disturbing the sheep. Their symmetric lines draw the viewfinder.
Each image will be posted individually this week with a bit more narrative under category Bighorn Sheep.
Click any image below for a slide show.
Juvenile Bighorn Sheep Like most kids, this guy was curious; in this case, about me. He kept edging his way closer and closer to me. After this image was captured, he actually walked onto the same ridge line where I was positioned. He stood there quite a while so I just waited until he left to climb down.
Bighorn Sheep Winter is so beautiful around Yellowstone: my favorite time of year to visit the park. In winter, bighorn herds move to lower-elevation mountain pastures where it’s easier to capture a nice photo. All the wildlife, like this Bighorn Sheep, stand out against the snow in their full winter coats. Those huge horns can weigh up to 30 pounds even though the sheep may only weigh up to 300 lb.
Young Bighorn Sheep are called lambs, but this guy seemed too big to be called a lamb. He was a very curious sort. After I had positioned myself out on a cliff to capture a different image, he started to follow me. He blocked my way back off the cliff for about a half hour. He just stood there. The cliff was a couple hundred feet down on all sides so I had to wait and enjoy the view of sunrise over there Badlands. Finally, he moved on.
