Bighorn sheep on the move on Wild Horse Island located in Flathead Lake, Montana. During most of the year, rams live in bachelor groups and the ewes live in herds with younger lambs. Rams and ewes usually only travel together during mating season, that was quickly approaching. This herd of bighorn sheep numbered close to 60.

It was fascinating watching the beginnings of the rut season as the rams postured each other for dominance and female mating rights. It was too early in the rut season to observe any battles though. Our friend, a Montana wildlife ranger, explained that the rams weigh up to 350 pounds, a set of large horns can weigh 30 pounds and when two rams battle they can reach speeds of 40 mph with the impact being heard up to a mile away, the battle ends when one ram concedes and walks away.

I wouldn’t mind a return trip to Wild Horse Island during the rut for the chance to observe them battle. Note to self . . . time to invest in that longer lens!

This panorama is a stich of five portrait format images

Tags:   Montana Flathead Lake Wild Horse Island bighorn sheep ram ewe landscape wildlife Panorama Brad Eide Nikon D7100 geotagged September 2016 fall Nikon 70-300mm

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