These nimble creatures of the high country are seen with surprising frequency in Yellowstone National Park, where some of their favorite haunts happen to be near roads. They were a staple in the diets of the indigenous Sheepeater peoples of yore. Around the turn of the previous century, only a few hundred remained in the entire nation, thanks to diseases contracted from domestic sheep. Consider yourself fortunate if you happen to catch a couple of rams battering each other with their signature curled horns during the annual autumn rut.

• About 250 bighorn sheep reside in Yellowstone National Park.
• Rams typically butt heads during the mating season in November and December.
• Male horns can weigh as much as 40 pounds.

Best viewing: Between Gardiner and Mammoth, confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek.

Photo credit: Cindy Goeddel