Activity Books Wool & Sheep Activity Book | Page 20

SHEEP ON THE RANGE
Range sheep are usually white faced breeds such as Rambouillet, Columbia or
Targhee. White faced sheep have more flocking or herding instincts than black
faced sheep. This means they will stay together in a group. Sheep that do not stay
with the flock are easier prey for wild animals.
Sheep on the range are raised in large groups called bands. A band is 1,000 to
2,000 head of sheep. These bands live on large areas of open land that is usually not
fenced. This area is called rangeland. Rangeland is land that is not cultivated or
plowed. It often has rocky hills, deep canyons or rugged ground. Rangeland has
very little water and the soil is not deep or rich in materials that are needed to grow
crops. Most of the rangeland in the United states is found in the Western states.
Rangelands are best suited for grazing by livestock and wildlife.
Natural or native grasses and green leafy plants called forbs grow on the
range. Shrubs and trees also grow on the range. Sheep and wildlife graze on the
grasses and forbs. They also eat the leaves and twigs from the woody plants. This is
called browsing.
People called sheep herders or shepherds live with the sheep that graze on the
range. Herders are men or women who care for the sheep. They help the sheep find
feed and water. If a sheep gets sick, the herder helps it get well. Herders also protect
the sheep from predators and other animals that might kill or hurt them.
People who care for
sheep on the range are
called:
_____________________
How many sheep
might be in a band?
_____________________
_____________________
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Bears are the 2nd leading cause of lamb deaths due to predators in Colorado.