majestic...

...in a view from the rear.

a rocky mountain bighorn sheep - this a male... you can tell by the size of his large curled horns. they're used as weapons - you think - and during epic battles for dominance in mating rights. when these battles happen, if you're near, you can hear the noise of the clashing of their horns echoing through the mountains... whew... the horns themselves can weigh up to 30 lbs... how'd you like to carry that around on your head?

i was taken quite by surprise in seeing these majestic beauties today... i stood in awe and wonder as they grazed on the grasses. several times they looked up at me - but didn't seem bothered. i so wished i had a better camera that could've zoomed in for greater detail. but in the end, i liked this rear view and because of where i happened to be and where the sun was, decided that black and white showed him off best.

what a treasure these animals are to our wildlife and nature in general... that we can walk with them... it so made for a

happy day.....