Physical Characteristics
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· The smooth coat consists of guard hairs and dense fleece, varying from dark brown to grayish to pale tan depending on the region.
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· The belly, rump patch, back of legs, nose area , and eye patch are all white.
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· The brown horns are found in both sexes, but are much larger in males.
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· In females, the horns are slender and saber-like, never forming more than half a curl.
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· In males, the horns are massive and curl up, back over the ears, then curve down, forward, and up past the cheeks.
Length : 150- 195 cm ( 5.0 -6.5 feet)
Shoulder Height : 80 – 100 cm ( 2.7 to 3.3 ft )
Horn length: 83 cm ( 33 in )
Tail length: 10- 15 cm ( 4- 6 in )
Weight: 45 – 135 lbs ( 99 – 297 lbs )
Range: Southern Canada to Colorado and Southwestern United states
Habitat: Alpine Meadows, grassy mountain, and foothills
Diet: Grasses, Sedges, and Forbs
Status: Several population may be threatened with eventual extinction
Reason for the status: Illegal hunting, introducing dieases, livestock, and human encroachment
Gestation period : 5 – 6 months
Longevity : 19 years in wild / 10 to 11 months in captivity