Bighorn Sheep Ram Climbing a Ridge
Wyoming, USA
Bighorn sheep are well-adapted to survive the mountains and the winter.
They have modified hooves that help them climb steep, rocky slopes. The outer hooves are shaped like toenails to snag onto protrusions, while the inner pads are soft and conform to the surface.
Bighorns also have thick, insulating fur that helps them stay warm in cold temperatures. In the winter, their coats may be lighter in color and have a double layer. They store fat in the summer to help them survive the cold and harsh conditions. They can essentially hibernate standing up, living off fat during the winter and conserving energy.
Some bighorn sheep stay at higher elevations during the winter where they are safe from predators but cold and hungry. Others move to lower elevations which are more temperate, but riskier to predation from mountain lions and others.
Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.
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