Bighorn Sheep on Plateau Mountain, 2012

This is a photo taken in 2012, not on our most recent trip, three days ago. On this particular day four years ago, I took a number of photos of the herd of Bighorn Sheep that live on Plateau Mountain. I posted one or two other photos closer to that time, so I will copy and paste my description from that day, 13 July 2012.

"On 13th July, eight of us spent the day botanizing on Plateau Mountain, Kananaskis, way south west of Calgary. We record all plant species found, and any insects, birds, etc. that we notice, gradually adding new species to the existing list. I had been there a week previously with a different group (of Lichenologists, Bryologists, etc.). The upper gate was locked on Saturday and we didn't have a key, so we had to walk from the locked gate up the road all the way to the lower meadows. This time, though, we also explored a little bit further, climbing part way up a very rocky slope.

One of the absolute highlights of the trip was when we were offered the chance to be driven to the very top to see the herd of around 150 Bighorn Sheep that call the mountain "home". The man who was in charge of checking the gas plant on top of the plateau was allowed access to drive all the way up there, so we were very lucky. (Note added on 1 October 2016: more recently, the gas plant has been shut down.) A week before, I had been up there for the first time, but we only passed by the sheep and didn't get out of our vehicles. Three of us chose to go, and what a thrill it was, to have dozens of these wild animals come rushing towards the vehicle - they love to lick the salt off the truck. Apparently, they won't come near if it's just a person standing there, but they do come running over when they see a vehicle to lick. We got out of the truck and we even had a sheep or two come over and nuzzle our hands. While there, someone (thanks, David!) spotted a Hoary Marmot enjoying the shade under part of the small gas plant. I was delighted to see one of these animals - got a very distant and crummy photo, but am posting it so that I can add it to my Wild Animals of Alberta set. We were so lucky to be driven all the way back down the mountain to our cars, too, picking up the other five of us on the way. It's a tough job searching for rare plants, but someone has to do it, lol!"