17/02/2023
Today's creative challenge, CAPTION THIS!
Check out this amazing picture of a Bighorn Sheep that Marc Zebell snapped right here in the White Mountains! It looks like he's trying to say something, doesn't it? Here are five interesting facts I found about about bighorn sheep in this region:
The White Mountains of Arizona are home to the largest herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in the state, with an estimated population of around 800 individuals.
Male bighorn sheep, or rams, can weigh up to 300 pounds and have a set of massive, curling horns that can grow up to three feet in length!
Rams in the White Mountains have to be tough to survive in the harsh, high-elevation environment. They have specialized hooves that help them grip steep rock faces, and they can go without water for days at a time.
During mating season, male bighorn sheep compete for dominance by charging and butting heads with each other at high speeds. The sound of their horns colliding can be heard from over a mile away!
Despite their tough exterior, bighorn sheep are actually quite sensitive to disturbance from humans and other animals. If you're lucky enough to spot a ram like this one, make sure to give it plenty of space and observe from a safe distance.
So there you have it! Rams in the White Mountains are pretty amazing creatures. And who knows, maybe this one really was trying to tell us something... or maybe he just wanted to show off his pearly whites! 😁