Winter Ecology Wildlife Expedition

This week, the graduates are in their first week of our sixth class, Winter Ecology! I'm pretty excited and interested in this class. In this course, the graduates learn about how to cope and be outside in this frigid weather, get a deeper look into snow science, and get a taste of natural history of animal tracking!

Momma Moose Sleeping Outside Cloudveil

To start off the mornings, and mostly every morning...Of course, there is nothing like waking up and starting your day off with a cow moose waking up next to your cabin!

Inside the National Elk Refuge Overlooking Some Big Horn Sheep

I believe it was Wednesday, we took another Wildlife Expedition tour through the National Elk Refuge. This was really fun. Our teachers, Kevin and Kevin were awesome knowledgeable guides as we talked about bison, elk, moose, and big horn sheep!

As we drove deeper into the refuge, we were able to see a first for me! Big Horn Sheep! It was such a sight! Apparently, right now, is their breeding season. So seeing them right now is pretty common along the rocky ledges of the refuge.  However we were able to see them at the base of the hills grazing on grass.

First Sightings of Big Horn Sheep Through A Scope

Using the spotting scope, I was able to capture some grazing moments for you! Remarkable that my iPhone can take some decent photos by placing it up to the lens of the scope. Eventually I should probably look into an actual camera! (Hope you're reading this Mom and Dad, for next year's Christmas gift! Haha)

So Cool for the Close Up

Heart Exploded!

These animals are so beautiful! Heir horns are not like antlers, where the animal will shed them off every year. Big horn sheep's horns will remain on the animal and will grow as the animal grows! Hence the rings on the horns.

Big Horn Sheep!

Our guide, Kevin, showed us a Big Horn Sheep skull to get a closer look. Very impressive! 

Skull of Big Horn Sheep

You can see in the photo below, how small their brain is compared to the rest of the skull. Also, you can notice that buffer zone near the forehead and top of the skull: hollow cavities in back of thick bone! This is used to absorb tremendous amounts of intense shock when the sheep butt heads with others during intense duels and fights.

Look at the Tiny Brain Cavity!

Even the horns themselves are really fascinating as well! Some can curly cue multiple times and get very large! The one we got to see up close was bigger than my head and could totally be used as a phone...just kidding!

It's the Size of My Head...And Bigger!
Can I Have this to Make into a Phone?

Seeing the big horn sheep was such a treat! Hopefully it won't be my last! Can't wait to tell my students about these wonderful animals! Bring on Winter Practicum!

Bahhhhhh!

TheChristyBel