Dall's Sheep (Ovis dalli)

The Dall's sheep or White sheep, the most beautiful of all wild sheep, are inhabitants of alpine tundra areas whose range extends southwards beyond the arctic. They are found in Alaska, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northwestern British Columbia.

The Dall's sheep are found over a large north to south range and the colour phase darkens as one moves toward the south.

The lambing season for the Dall's sheep is usually from late May to early June. Some females (ewes) mature at 1.5 years, but most mature at 2-2.5 years old and breed annually thereafter. After a gestation period of approx. 175 days, a single lamb is born. Twins are infrequent for mountain sheep, which is understandable considering the harsh environment and limited food available for pregnant ewes during gestation.

On their preferred rough terrain they have little competition for food from other grazing animals. Their staple food includes grasses, broad-leaved willowherb, avens and willow. Adverse snow and ice conditions may periodically make food inaccessible.

The males (rams) will "butt heads" during the breeding season to gain the favour of nearby ewes. The standoff space is established and powerful hind quarters pile drive the horns, skull and massive neck and shoulders into the equivalent parts of the opponent. In many instances both rams raise their bodies and charge on rear legs and at the last second the drop toward each other adding energy of the fall into the blow. These confrontations may go on for several hours but one or the other of the combatants ultimately falters. The loser can surrender or strike a truce by simply turning away and grazing.