1609_1659 Peripheral Vision
I've been hiking Wilcox Pass to look for Bighorn Sheep since 1988, but this was my first time in four years. I hauled out of bed - I mean sleeping bag - early and was on the trail in the dim dark of pre-dawn. No searching was required. I emerged from the trees onto an open ridge and spotted four rams almost immediately. They allowed a close approach and were very relaxed.
When rams reach maturity, their horns can curl tightly enough to block their peripheral vision, so they often "broom" the tips off by rubbing them against rocks.
Photographed in Jasper National Park, Alberta. Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2016 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
1609_1659 Peripheral Vision
I've been hiking Wilcox Pass to look for Bighorn Sheep since 1988, but this was my first time in four years. I hauled out of bed - I mean sleeping bag - early and was on the trail in the dim dark of pre-dawn. No searching was required. I emerged from the trees onto an open ridge and spotted four rams almost immediately. They allowed a close approach and were very relaxed.
When rams reach maturity, their horns can curl tightly enough to block their peripheral vision, so they often "broom" the tips off by rubbing them against rocks.
Photographed in Jasper National Park, Alberta. Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2016 James R. Page - all rights reserved.