Dall’s Sheep Rams Determining Who is Boss in Cordova, Alaska

Dall’s sheep are often seen in the mountains of Cordova, Alaska. They have amazing horns and a sturdy body. Rams are biggest ‘bucks’ among the sheep, and they puff up for all ewes… They are thrilling to watch as they vie with one another for supremacy.

The Rams in Action

Rams of these are pretty interesting fellows — the Dall’s sheep. These massive rodents can reach 200 pounds and over three feet in height at the shoulder. Their horns can grow 30 inches in length. The baby rams compete in head-butting challenges when its time to fight. When the two clip horns, they charge at each other full pelt with a big thump of violence. It is critical in that it provides the group customers (horn-wrestling) to be great rams.

Why Do They Compete?

Females are the primary reason why rams fight. These are typically won by the strongest and healthiest rams. They can mate with more ewes and their genes will find their pathway through the next generation provided they win. In this case, only the fittest characteristics will go on into natural selection in a species. Males also use these contests to demonstrate their strength and abilities to other males.

Observing in the Wild

You can actually visit Cordova and see these awesome rams for your self. Mating season is ideal, which occurs in the fall. They have a tendency to collect in packs on the hillsides. Not for close-up people … but there were suction cups on the back. What a great scene to watch these animals struggling with their social status and relative advantage in this hard world.

It is part of Dall’s sheep life. Thus knowing how they interact helps in enhancing our observation and knowledge of Alaska’s natural history, wildlife.