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Yuma Today
By the People, for the People
Bighorn Ram Destroys Sliding Glass Door After Mistaking Reflection For Rival
The ram wasn't sick or suffering from a brain disorder, experts say - this was just 'normal behavior' for a bighorn sheep.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:19pm
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A bold, graphic pop art interpretation of the bighorn ram's territorial behavior, highlighting the clash between wildlife instincts and human-made environments.Yuma TodayA bighorn sheep ram in Yuma, Arizona destroyed a sliding glass door last week after seeing his own reflection and mistaking it for another ram. Security camera footage shows the ram aggressively grunting at his 'rival' before headbutting the glass and shattering it. Wildlife experts say this type of behavior is common for bighorn rams, especially during mating season when they are looking to establish territory.
Why it matters
Incidents like this highlight the challenges that can arise when wildlife and human habitats overlap. As development encroaches on natural areas, encounters between animals and residential properties are becoming more frequent, leading to property damage and raising concerns about public safety.
The details
The ram was one of a few bighorn sheep that had been hanging around the Yuma area. On April 2, the ram caught a glimpse of his own reflection in the sliding glass door and apparently took it as a challenge. Security camera footage shows the ram grunting at his 'rival' before giving the reflection a couple of tentative taps with his horns. Deciding it was time to fight, the ram then put real force behind a headbutt, obliterating the plate glass.
- The incident occurred on April 2, 2026 in Yuma, Arizona.
The players
Kent Schmidlin
A former Wyoming Game and Fish Department's regional wildlife supervisor who said the ram's behavior was 'normal' for a bighorn sheep.
Jack States
A wildlife researcher who lives in the Sinks Canyon area and was familiar with a notorious bighorn ram named Bam-Bam, whose behavior was similar to the Yuma ram.
What they’re saying
“I would call that normal behavior' for a bighorn ram mistaking his reflection for another ram.”
— Kent Schmidlin, Former Wyoming Game and Fish Department regional wildlife supervisor
“This is the time of year when those young rams might be out looking for new territory and wouldn't appreciate another ram on their turf.”
— Jack States, Wildlife researcher
The takeaway
This incident serves as a reminder that as human development continues to encroach on natural habitats, encounters between wildlife and residential properties will likely become more common. While this particular ram escaped unharmed, such encounters can pose risks to both animals and people, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to mitigate potential conflicts.
