This informative post will be posted on Saturday along with my usual writing.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

What word becomes shorter when you add letters to it?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

One of North America’s most majestic animals is the bighorn sheep.  They are part of the mammals subfamily of bovines, which includes cattle, bison, African buffalo, and antelopes.

Here are some interesting facts about the bighorn sheep:

• Habitat:  Western foothills, mountains, and plateaus
• Diet:  Grasses, leaves, shrubs, and cactus
• Average lifespan:  12-14 years (ewes usually live longer than rams)
• Weight:  Up to 300 pounds (135 kg)

As a species related to mountain goats, bighorn sheep and goats possess cloven hooves, which are split into two toes.  This allows them to grasp rocky cliffs with finger-like dexterity.

Predators of the bighorn sheep include:  wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, and bobcats.  The sheep defend themselves with exceptional vision, excellent hearing, and an outstanding sense of smell.

Both males and females feature horns.  The males’ horns are huge in size and feature an extremely curved shape.  The horns weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg), and if straightened out, they would extend up to two feet.  Each ring on the horns represents one year of growth.  The females’ horns are smaller and straighter.

During mating season, the males (rams) compete over the females (ewes).  They charge each other in head-to-head combat.  The sound of these crashes can be heard up to a mile away.  The males’ thick, bony skull prevents injury from these battles.

from left to right:  male (ram), female (ewe), and males in combat.   (Courtesy of pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Short