Canadian Rockies Wildlife

Largest Bighorn Boss Courts Ewe During the Rut

Largest Bighorn Boss Travels 40km to Court more Ewes During the Bighorn Sheep Rut. During this time, male bighorn sheep engage in various behaviors to establish dominance and compete for access to females, known as ewes. Dominant rams actively pursue ewes during the rut. They will try to gather a group of females, called a harem, and guard them from other males. Ewes may resist initially, and the pursuit can involve chasing and herding behaviors. Once a ram successfully establishes dominance and attracts a group of ewes, mating rituals take place. Bighorn Rams may engage in courtship displays, including lowering their heads, sniffing the females, and nuzzling them to encourage mating. The ultimate goal for the rams during the rut is to mate with as many ewes as possible to ensure reproductive success. The strongest and most dominant rams typically have better access to females and, therefore, a higher chance of passing on their genes. The Bighorn Sheep Rut is a crucial period as it plays a vital role in the continuation of the Bighorn species. This natural behavior shows the adaptations and strategies that have evolved to ensure successful Bighorn Sheep reproduction in challenging environments.