Desert Bighorn Sheep Observations at Walker Lake

Ram Visiting the Ewes

On observing the Desert Bighorn Sheep at Walker Lake, Nevada during the fall of 2013, I noticed a large ram hanging close to the ewes.

Desert Bighorn sheep are gregarious animals with a unique social structure of related ewes banding together most of the time.

 Mature males establish separate bachelor groups in the close general area, except during breeding season when they travel between groups of females. 

The breeding season or "Rut" occurs during the late summer or fall, from July through November.  Dominance in mating is determined by horn and body size.  The mating competition of two rams running together and clashing their horns most often occurs during the pre-rut and along the upper, flat area of the cliffs. 

Both rams and ewes develop horns soon after birth, which continue to grow through-out their 10-20 year life span.

Annual growth rings on the horns indicate the sheep's age. Ram's horns develop much larger than ewes, curling to over three feet and weighing more than 30 pounds, after 8 years of growth.

Both rams and ewes use their horns to break open cactus which is consumed as part of their diet along with native grass and other plants. 
 

As the sun drops at day's end, the dominate male begins his trek almost straight up the steep cliff.   What a thrill it is to watch these sure-footed, agile athletes ascend the rugged terrain with their especially adapted shock absorbing feet.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

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 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

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