Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep - Dubois, Wyoming

Explore the World of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Dubois, WY

One of the most unique and magnificent attractions in Wyoming isn't a geological formation or an historic site, although it relates to both. It's the Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep, and in particular, the large herd that lives in the Whiskey Mountain area just outside of Dubois, Wyoming.

No visit to Wyoming would be complete without viewing these majestic animals in their natural habitat. The National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Association encourages public education and enjoyment of the Bighorn Sheep at the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois.

The exhibitions at the National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center are an outstanding resource for information related to Wyoming's wild Bighorns. A variety of exhibits including hands-on displays explores all facets of the Bighorn Sheep's biology and their relationship with humankind.

Children as well as adults will appreciate viewing displays that explore everything you can imagine related to Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. You'll learn how Bighorns view their world and the body language they use to communicate with each other. The fascinating history of the Sheep Eater Indians of the Wind River Range is also detailed at the Interpretive Center.

The impressive "Sheep Mountain" exhibit at the Center contains information about the habitat where the Bighorns live, including the plants and other animals that exist in their natural environment. Dominance battles, the role the Bighorns play in predator-prey relationships and the wild sheeps' special adaptive traits that enable them to survive in their habitat are all explored at the Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center.

Although there are mounted displays of the four types of wild sheep that reside in North America on display in the "Grand Slam" diorama at the Interpretive Center, you will probably want to visit the herd to see Bighorns in person. Guided tours are available through the National Bighorn Sheep Center seasonally.

To take a guided tour to see the herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorns at Whiskey Mountain, you will need to book a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Guided tours are only available during the winter months, from November through March. The Bighorns are generally able to be viewed during the winter months because snowy weather at the higher elevations drives the Bighorns down to lower elevations where they can be seen.

Tours start at 9:00 am, and they generally last between 3 and 5 hours. You will be able to view the Bighorns through binoculars and spotting scopes that are provided during the tour. If you plan to take the Bighorn viewing tour, be sure to dress appropriately. The Whiskey Mountain habitat area is very cold and windy. You will also want to be sure to bring your camera, and be prepared to take photos at long distances.