Primeval Survivor
PRESENTS
The Primordial Bighorn
By: Katelin Kukk
Photographs by wildlife photographer Moose Henderson
Often confused with a goat, the bighorn sheep, Ovis canadensis, is a unique species that endured the Pleistocene epoch, commonly known as the Ice Age. They’re found on open terrain like grassy or rocky areas in Western North America, prevailing despite trophy hunting, changes in habitat, as well as susceptibility to disease during the 1800s. While they have never fully recovered to their original population levels, they are now considered a stable species. After reading this article, you should easily be able to recognize a bighorn sheep.
Appearance
With a muscled body and large, curled horns, the bighorn sheep is quite an imposing-looking animal. Their iconic curled horns, made of keratin, can be used for fighting. Rams (males) have the large, curled horns, whereas ewes (females) have arced spike horns. The sheep also have cloven hooves (divided into 2), which are great for climbing and jumping. They have a short brown coat with a white patch on their rump and a tail that hangs downward. The sheep can weigh 160 to over 250 pounds and have a shoulder height of 40 inches.
Behavior
Typical behavior of bighorn sheep includes grazing (herbivores) and forming social groups between sex and age. They establish hierarchy within their group, especially between males. The size of their horns determines rank, and they compete for mates by engaging in head-to-head fights. Snorting, growling, and bleating are typical exchanges. Scent marking is another way they communicate. This is done by rubbing their periorbital gland, found in the front corner of the eye, against trees and rocks.
History
These primeval mammals have roamed the Earth for quite some time. Paleontological fossils indicate wild sheep made an appearance in North America around 100,000 years ago. The bighorn sheeps’ ancestors are thought to have crossed the Bering land bridge from where they once resided in the mountains and deserts of Eurasia. They then migrated south through the United States over many years, finally settling where they are now, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Research has shown that human causes have contributed to their evolution. One specific species of bighorn sheep has evolved to grow smaller horns due to overhunting.
Conclusion
Overall, bighorn sheep are a rugged and impressive species that were nearly brought to extinction by humans. With the implementation of conservation efforts, these animals were able to make a significant recovery. However, stable as they might be, they have never reached their original population numbers of around one million. Hopefully, with additional efforts and support, we might someday witness the full rebound of these fascinating animals.
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Spectacular creatures roamed the earth in the time long before the history of man. Species alive so far in the past, the only traces we find today are bits of rock and stone. Ages faded to dust in the wind. Yet there are those who remain. We call them Primeval Survivors. Do these remnants of the past hold the secrets of the ages?
