Adult rams live in bands, which seldom associate with ewe groups except during the winter mating season. The horn clashing for which rams are so well known does not result from fights over possession of ewes, but rather is a means of establishing a social hierarchy. These clashes occur throughout the year but are more frequent just before the rut, when rams are moving among the ewes and meeting unfamiliar rams of similar horn size. Rams battle to determine the dominant animal, which then gains possession of the ewes. Facing each other rams charge head-on from distances of 20 feet or more, crashing their massive horns together with tremendous impact, until one or the other ceases.
Sheep live in separate ram and ewe bands most of the year.
Gestation lasts about 6 months, and the lambs are usually born in late winter. Mountain sheep are extremely susceptible to disease introduced by domestic livestock, mass die-offs from disease can occur. Good peripheral and depth vision allows sheep to move over mountainsides without falling, and to maintain all-round surveillance of the area. The outer edge of the hoof is hard and enables the sheep to stand on the tiniest projection. The sole is soft and rubber like, which helps it to cling to smooth surfaces and cushion the impact when jumping.