May IAK special issue - 56

Wild pairings
Animals can do some incredible things and several have developed special traits to attract mates
in unique ways. Some animals fight during breeding season, others may change color or dance.
Here are some of the interesting adaptations Wyoming animals have during mating season:
ELK
Have you ever heard an elk bugle? They don't just do it for fun. Male elk, called
bulls, make a loud, high-pitched sound during their mating season. They bugle to
show off for female elk, called cows. Bugling also warns other bulls to stay away or
challenges them to a fight.
SAGE GROUSE
These birds return to the same area each spring for a special dance. These special
areas are called leks and they are areas where sage grouse gather to breed.
Male sage grouse put on a sunrise show by dancing for the females, who decide
which males to mate with based on their dance.
Kokanee
This species of landlocked salmon goes through some big changes when they
spawn. Females lay eggs that are fertilized by the males. Although these fish are
usually silver in color, they turn a brilliant red with a green and black head when
they spawn. The males change even more by developing a hump on their backs.
Bighorn sheep
Bighorn sheep breed during the fall. The males, called rams, have large horns
that can weigh up to 30 pounds. Not only are their horns heavy, but rams live up
to their name by ramming their heads into each other at speeds up to 40 mph as
they fight for a mate.
Hornyhead chubs
They may not seem threatening, but don't try to mess with the eggs of these small
fish. During the breeding season males develop growths on their heads that resemble
horns. Then they build nests where females can lay their eggs. The males stick
around after the eggs are fertilized to defend the nests and keep predators away.
8

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