Deathwatch Expert Words

Notes: Threats to bighorn sheep: usually predators like wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, golden eagles do not form threats unless population is low. Biggest threat to bighorn sheep is the loss of grazing areas taken by livestock or development, and diseases caused from domestic livestock. Other reason for death is the loss of vegetation from drought.

Important facts or datesThere used to be 1.5 million to 2 million big horn sheep in North America. Today there are less than 70,000Males are about 3-3/12 feet tall, weigh between 140-300 pounds. Females are a little smaller. Live about 9-14 years, females live longer. Mating season is Nov. and Dec. It takes 5-6 months for babies to be born. 1 at a time. Live in herds (or bands) of 5 to 15 ewes, lambs, yearlings and two-year olds. Males travel in groups of less than 5. In the winter they come together and can form groups as big as 100 animals. In the fall, rams compete for ewes by butting heads.

My thoughts and connections to topic: Trip to Flaming GorgeMountains in OgdenLas Vegas (Hoover Dam)

Important points for presentation:* Males are called rams; females are called ewes, babies are called lambs. *Famous for large, curled horns*Horns can weigh up to 30 pounds* Live in mountains from south part of Canada to New Mexico• They like to climb rugged mountains and have special split hooves

that help them• Hunted for sport• Rams butt horns to show dominance in mating season

Illustration or picture of topic:

Sources: (you must have at least 2 sources)* http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/rocky-mountain-bighorn-sheep/• http://www.defenders.org/bighorn-sheep/basic-facts• http://www.nwf.org/wildlife/wildlife-library/mammals/bighorn-sheep.aspx• http://www.desertusa.com/bighorn/bighorn-sheep.html

I am an expert on ____Bighorn Sheep____________________

Bighorn Sheep1. Bighorn sheep are animals that live

in the mountains on the western side of North America. Most known for their large, curled horns on their heads.

2. Males are called rams; females are called ewes, babies are called lambs.

3. Famous for large, curled horns that can weigh up to 30 pounds and be over 3 feet in length! Females have smaller horns than males.

4. Males are only about 3 to 3 ½ feet tall. They are about 5 feet in length. Females are smaller.

5. Live in mountains from south part of Canada to New Mexico-climb steep cliffs and ledges

6. They like to climb rugged mountains and have special split hooves that help them do this

Bighorn Sheep1. Rams butt horns to show dominance in

mating season, charging at speeds of more than 20-40 mph! The sound of the horns hitting can be heard for over a mile! The battles can last up to 24 hours.

2. There used to be millions, but now there are only about 70,000-causes are predators kill them if given an opportunity; diseases from livestock kill them; accidents on the mountainous terrain; poaching by humans for the large trophy males.

3. Pres. Theodore Roosevelt supported a movement to save the bighorn sheep and since that time, conservation efforts have helped this animal regain population numbers (although they’re still low). Some subspecies are close to being added to the endangered species list.