I swear this handsome guy poses deliberately each time I go to the Calgary Zoo and stop by the Mountain Sheep area : ) Looks almost as if he's slightly smiling, too. Of course, I prefer taking photos of these Mountain Sheep in the wild, but still take a quick shot when I'm at the Zoo, too.
"The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a species of sheep in North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg), while the sheep themselves weigh up to 300 pounds (140 kg). The population in North America peaked in the millions, and the bighorn sheep entered into the mythology of Native Americans. However, by 1900 the population had crashed to several thousand. Conservation efforts (in part by the Boy Scouts - more info on Wikipedia) have restored the population."
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bighorn_sheep
Tags: Calgary Alberta Canada southern Alberta nature wildlife captive zoo animal Mountain Sheep Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis male Artiodactyla Bovidae Caprinae Ovis Status: Least Concern close horns beauty in nature Panasonic DMC-FZ40 DMC-FZ40 FZ40 Lumix point-and-shoot P1280029 FZ40 annkelliott beautiful_expression
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Mountain Sheep at Lake Minnewanka, near Banff, taken on May 20th.
"The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a species of sheep in North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg), while the sheep themselves weigh up to 300 pounds (140 kg). Recent genetic testing indicates that there are three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: Ovis canadensis sierrae. Sheep originally crossed to North America over the Bering land bridge from Siberia: the population in North America peaked in the millions, and the bighorn sheep entered into the mythology of Native Americans. However, by 1900 the population had crashed to several thousand. Conservation efforts (in part by the Boy Scouts) have restored the population. ..... The Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep is the provincial mammal of Alberta and the state animal of Colorado and as such is incorporated into the symbol for the Colorado Division of Wildlife." From Wikipedia.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bighorn_sheep
YouTube link for the latest video of the three beautiful, endangered Amur Tiger cubs at the Calgary Zoo. How they have grown! Posted on YouTube on May 30th 2012.
youtu.be/c4fSvtRHLBM
Tags: Alberta Rocky Mountains near Banff Lake Minnewanka nature wild wild animal Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis Sheep horns group six watchful lake water trees forest beauty in nature #GreatNature #animal
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Another shot of some of the beautiful Mountain (Bighorn) Sheep that live on the flat top of Plateau Mountain Ecologocal Reserve, Kananaskis. Taken on 13 July 2012.
Later, mid-evening: was out for a three-hour botany walk this morning, followed by my volunteer shift this afternoon. Tomorrow, I am getting eight windows and my patio door replaced, so it will be a long day for the contractors, and for me : ) I'm sure they will be so glad when they have finished all mine, as I am the last place to be done. I'm kind of hoping that it doesn't flow over to the next day, too, but we'll have to see. Also really hoping that it doesn't rain tomorrow, as it would have to be postponed again. I can't wait to have windows that can finally be opened, especially at the moment, as it is unbearably hot and humid. I have so much stuff to move out of the way tonight, so I have to get off my computer : )
Tags: Alberta Canada top of Plateau Mountain Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve southern edge of Kananaskis nature fauna mammal animal wild wild animal wildlife Mountain Sheep Bighorn Sheep Ovis canadensis Bovidae Caprinae Ovis groups three trio mother and two young ones mountain meadow grassland annkelliott Anne Elliott #GreatNature
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There is a herd of either 125 or 150 Mountain Sheep (Bighorn Sheep) that calls the Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve "home". "Reserve" means that the public is not allowed to drive to the very top of this mountain, and it's an awful long hike from the locked gate to the very top. These Sheep are totally wild - and wonderful : ) Three of us chose to accept the offer of a ride up to the top by a worker who checks the small gas plant up there - which is going to be closed down this (?) month, so the upper gate may be kept locked permanently. The Sheep are losing their winter coats and look quite a sight, ha. They love to lick the salt off the worker's truck and come running when they see him arrive. There were lots of young ones, who are the cutest little things - they kept their distance, though, which is good. I'm sure they will miss the salt once the plant is shut down.
Tags: Alberta Canada Kananaskis K-Country Plateau Mountain nature animal wildlife wild animal Mountain Sheep Bighorn Sheep female close-up head shot side view
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We encountered this 10-year-old Mountain Sheep on Highway 40, going through Kananaskis. It was very unsteady on its feet, and we were concerned that it might get hit by some vehicle coming round the corner. A ranger happened to come by and she told us that she knew about this particular animal. The average life-span is 7-8 years.
Tags: Alberta Canada wildlife nature Mountain Sheep horns Ovis canadensis Kananaskis Highway 40 animal wild animal annkelliott Olympus C750UZ Talkaboutwildlife.ca
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