(Colorado Springs, CO) Bighorn sheep are some of the most impressive creatures in Colorado.
The strong and agile animals are well adapted to life in mountainous regions with powerful legs that help them climb and jump across rocky terrain with ease, and thick coats to keep them warm in cold weather. The social animals live in herds, so where there is one, there are often many.
Bighorn sheep are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and herbs. They have a four-chambered stomach that helps them digest the plant material.
During the mating season, male bighorn sheep, known as rams, will compete with one another for the females. The rams will have head-to-head battles, using their horns to push and shove their opponents in order to establish dominance.
Bighorn sheep rams can be aggressive during the rutting season, and fights can be violent and even deadly in some cases. However, once the mating season is over, rams will typically return to a more peaceful existence and spend much of their time grazing and resting.
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are the most abundant wild sheep race in North America, and they are Colorado's state mammal. You can learn more about these majestic animals at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center this weekend.
On Saturday, February 18th, the center will have its 18th Annual Bighorn Sheep Day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The free family event will have viewing stations, education booths, crafts, games, giveaways, and more.
The sheep who frequent Garden of the Gods Park are part of the Rampart Range herd, and hopefully, they won't be shy on Saturday.
I'll see you there!
Location: Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, 1805 N. 30th Street, Colorado Springs
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