Dr. Heywood’s Bighorn Sheep Journey

At WYVA, we believe in bringing learning to life, even beyond the virtual classroom. That’s why Dr. Joe Heywood, our Executive Director, regularly takes students on engaging “virtual field trips” – exploring fascinating places and activities, all from their screens! 

Dr. Heywood recently took us to Dubois, Wyoming, a small town famous for the National Bighorn Sheep Center and the world’s largest jackalope. Nestled among red rock formations and mountains, Dubois is a perfect spot to see bighorn sheep, especially during winter along the Warm River. 

Dr. Heywood started his visit at the Sheep Center, where unique door handles shaped like sheep horns greeted him. Inside, he explored exhibits showcasing different types of bighorn sheep, from the Rocky Mountain to the desert bighorn. He even pointed out the difference between bighorn and domestic sheep skulls, explaining how wild sheep are built to headbutt in dramatic displays of dominance. (He hopes to film such a clash soon at the National Elk Refuge!) 

One special exhibit featured “T-Bone,” a ram known for his unusually straight horns. Photos of T-Bone captured the challenges bighorn sheep face in the wild. The museum also displayed other wild sheep species worldwide, like Bhutan’s urial, Iran’s ibex, and Mongolia’s argali. 

The National Bighorn Sheep Center does not overlook the dangers bighorn sheep face, from predators like mountain lions and coyotes to golden eagles that may target young lambs. Conservation efforts were highlighted, including habitat restoration, population monitoring to catch disease outbreaks early, and establishing migration corridors to reduce human impact. These efforts underscore the importance of protecting bighorn sheep and their natural habitats. 

Watch Dr. Heywood’s full virtual field trip here!

No trip to Dubois would be complete without a visit to the legendary jackalope! Dr. Heywood stopped by this whimsical statue, recalling when his daughter climbed on it years ago. Dubois, with its historic downtown and scenic surroundings, offers something for everyone. Ready to join Dr. Heywood’s next adventure? Explore more of his virtual field trips, from beekeeping to fish hatcheries! 

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