Autumn 2020 – Part 40 – Them – Jasper National Park

October 2, 2020

As we sat in our picnic spot, we were able to watch the “Them” mentioned by our fellow hikers. Across a small valley to the North sat two groups of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, minding their own business….tolerating us….knowing that they were in no danger from such spindly clumsy beings.

Sightings of these animals can be rare in warmer weather, as they prefer to hit the heights. They weight up to 143 kg (315 pounds) and their horns can weigh up to 14 kg (30 pounds). They can be quite the head bangers during mating season, but typically, the rut starts in November, so all was quite placid on this day, except when one hiker went too close, in our opinion. You could see the herd getting anxious and as soon as he left, they started to shuffle away. In winter, you will often see the sheep on the highways licking the road salt, which can be hazardous to their health, when drivers don’t see them in time.

We took photos from our picnic perch and from the trail both coming and going. The following poem is written from the point of view of the sheep.

Them ©

Look at them sitting there, for all to see,

on pompous display, just for you and me.

They look amazing, but just a bit strange,

luckily, we are all well out of range.

Pointing their long lenses obtrusively,

I’d head butt them, if it was up to me.

Perhaps if we all simply ignore them,

they’ll just leave, before our butts get too numb.

The head honchos

The main herd

Showing his good side

Another vantage point from the trail

They were totally aware of our presence and watched form time to time

Now, above them…

This looks like a couple of them was getting bored with the conversation

Perfect pose

I may look sleepy, but, I’m watching you.