This big guy didn’t mind having his picture taken back in October in Waterton Canyon, Colorado. The Bighorn Sheep in the area are a big attraction for photographers and recreationalists for good reason. This is one location I may be re-visiting during the long holiday weekend. I just have to convince my photo buddy – my son – that it is worth the 12 mile bike ride. 😉
Battle-tested Bighorn Sheep
This ram wore the scars of battles past proudly as he strutted with his peers in Waterton Canyon, Colorado a couple weeks ago. The bighorn rut is in full swing right now as they fight for the right to mate with the nearby herd of ewes.
Double trouble
Two bighorn sheep rams stand side by side in Waterton Canyon, Colorado.
The bighorn rut is starting to gear up and as it does, the rams will begin battling for dominance and the right to mate. Throwing themselves at each other at speeds up to 20mph, the rams will bow their heads and crash their massive horns into each other. This will repeat, sometimes for hours, until one of them submits and walks off.
Ten Butts Mountain
Head on with a Bighorn
Bighorn Sheep are rugged animals capable of surviving in the sometimes harsh climate of the Rocky Mountains. It is perhaps fitting that Colorado chose this creature to be the state’s official animal as it is a great symbol of the American West and in particular, the high country which dominates the western part of the Centennial State.
This image was taken this past Saturday as a Bighorn Ram seemed to stare right into my camera. You can view the complete gallery of images from the day below the main image.
Bighorn scrum
Three rams put their heads together in a bit of a shoving contest this morning. There were more significant battles accompanied by the amazingly loud sound of their massive horns smashing into each there.
Taken in Waterton Canyon, southwest of Denver, the bighorn sheep are very popular but do require some work to see as no vehicles are allowed. The trail / dirt road is relatively easy but it was 12+ mile round trip on my bike.