For several weeks, photographer Kate Ochsman has been following the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep herds in Yellowstone National Park and shared the experience with us.
“This is the season of the rut. The males intimidate, dominate and eventually fight one another for the championship prize of breeding with the females and passing on his champion’s genes. The bighorn rut is unlike any rut I’ve seen. Elk and bison use brute strength and deafening sound delivered in a chaotic frenzy to intimidate and fight other bulls. Bighorn rams could not be more opposite. Their dominance display is a beautifully choreographed, ancient rocky mountain tango. It’s a dance of stillness, bowing, head nudges, and the very tango like kicking feet-usually aimed at another male’s sensitive bits. The photo above captures a moment of escalation in this tense dance between two friends. The final blow, the crescendo to this intricate dance, erupts with the fury of bashing skulls and horns in a thudded KOHW. The champion, already wearing his crown, enters his kingly right and breeds all the queens, providing another generation of Rocky Mountain princes and princesses.” Photo and words courtesy of Kate Ochsman.

Please remember to give them room and use your zoom #YellowstonePledge

Bighorn sheep address their issues head-on. When horns meet, the resounding crash echoes through the valley. The National Elk Refuge in Wyoming is a popular destination for opportunities to view bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife during the winter season. Witnessing a bighorn sheep battle is a rare and treasured experience. Just remember, winter is a fragile time for wildlife and their survival is dependent on conserving energy. To decrease their stress, please keep a minimum distance of 25 yards and 100 yards from wintering elk.  You just really don’t want to get in the middle of whatever they are settling. Trust us. Photo by Adam Jewell (www.sharetheexperience.org).

The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres in Montana and Wyoming, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, animals and more. It’s also an amazing place to greet the new day. Photo courtesy of Aaron Selig.

It’s a three day weekend – the perfect excuse to spend some extra time in bed. Bighorn sheep are famously elusive and quick to avoid human contact, so this photo of a napping ram at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is a special find. Photo by Bill Cochran (www.sharetheexperience.org).