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Headbangers

The Bighorn Sheep rut begins in November and peaks around the same time NFL players are banging heads in the Grey Cup game. Typically, fights occur only between closely matched rams; if one has an inferior set of horns, he generally gives way to his adversary without a fight or with only a token tussle. However, when two evenly matched rams tangle, like the ones Bill Swan photographed in downtown Radium, a terrific and lengthy contest may ensue.
After some initial inspection, the rams will start to walk away, but suddenly will wheel about at a distance of perhaps 12 meters and race toward each other on their hind feet, lunging forward in perfect synchrony to meet
head on. With a combined speed of 80 kms per hour and an estimated 
force of 1,000 kilograms, It is quite the sight to witness and hear.

Top photo and story by Larry Halverson

Downtown Radium Autumn show of force.