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Who’s On Top the Rockies?
By PK | October 1, 2008
As we began our journey through the Rocky Mountain National Park on Monday, and seeing all the elk in the lower pastures before our ascent, I wondered what would be on top of the Rockies, if anything. In fact, Dalton and I had a bet as to where the elk would be before reaching Estes Park. I must admit, I lost the bet. I figured the elk, because of the warm temperatures, would still be on top the Rockies. But there they were, in the lower areas, bugling and chasing cows. So, we know who’s on the bottom!
As we rode up on Trail Ridge Road, I zoomed in to capture this shot of the elks thousands of feet below.
You can see the herd on the left side of the photo.
So, Who’s on Top the Rockies?
Colorado’s State Animal, Big-Horn Sheep
The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep was adopted as the official state animal on May 1, 1961 by an act of the General Assembly. The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep is found only in the Rockies, usually above timberline in rugged mountainous areas.
The bighorn sheep was named for its massive horns which curve backward from the forehead, down, then forward. On the ram, the horns can be as much as fifty inches in length. It is unlawful to pursue, take, hunt, wound, or kill the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep except as provided by law.
The male sheep is three to three and a half feet tall at the shoulder and weighs up to three hundred pounds, while the female is slightly smaller. These large animals are known for their agility and perfect sense of balance.
Their horns are not shed annually like the antlers of deer and elk, but grow in length and circumference throughout the sheep’s life (a pair can weigh nearly 30 pounds). Fewer than 45,000 bighorn sheep are scattered through the western United States and Canada in small, isolated herds.
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Topics: Colorado |
2 Responses to “Who’s On Top the Rockies?”
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October 1st, 2008 at 10:18 pm
How healthy these animals look. The scenery is spectacular and I am quite amazed at the numbers of elk roaming around. Teh view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. It’s great following this blog.
October 7th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
OMG…look at all those elk! Great opportunity for you! And bighorn? I got to see them alot when we were closer to the Canadian border. They are incredible animals!