Glacier National Park is one of the most stunning national parks in the West. With incredible geography, beautiful scenery and wildlife- for those that love the great outdoors, this park should not be missed. Besides being a haven for tourists, Glacier National Park is also home to the bighorn sheep. These sheep not only get their name from their enormous horns that can be as long as 42 inches, but are one of the most hardy creatures that are able to not only handle the extreme elements, but the high altitudes.
Unfortunately, the once abundant bighorn sheep have dwindled in their numbers from about 2 million just 200 years ago to only 600-800 at the park and a total of 28K in all of North America. While there decline is a tragedy, many conservationists are working hard to understand this incredible breed of sheep and try to increase their numbers over the next few decades. It is hoped that with more research and tougher conservation policies these sheep can thrive in Glacier National Park as they once did.
The Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent article on Glacier National Park and the bighorn sheep. To read more about this incredible breed of sheep, as well as one of this country’s amazing national parks, please visit us today at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/
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