Movements and Behavior of Bighorn Sheep on Summer Ranges in Yellowstone National Park
Woolf A, O'Shea T, Gilbert DL. 1970. Movements and Behavior of Bighorn Sheep on Summer Ranges in Yellowstone National Park. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 34(2):446-450
The ecology of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) was studied in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, during the summers of 1966 and 1967. Ewe groups often included rams up to 2 years old, but rams older than 2 years remained in their own groups. With few exceptions, the sexes remained separated on summer ranges. Group composition was unstable, and bands often dispersed or formed again. Other than a separation of sexes, distinct groups were not found in areas of bighorn concentration. Adults generally led groups, but there were no established leaders. Bighorns were observed feeding long after sunset, and movements as far as ½ mile occurred after dark.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Woolf, Alan; O'Shea, Thomas; Gilbert, Douglas
- Units
- YELL
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Behavior, bighorn sheep(Ovis canadensis), Distribution, Ecology, Feeding, Food, Mammals, Migration, Range, Summer