Where can you encounter mouflons?
The mouflon is the ancestor of the domestic sheep and the smallest representative of wild sheep. Especially in winter, you can see them in large herds, numbering even dozens of individuals. Unfortunately, these animals are very alert and skittish, making it practically impossible to observe them up close. The males are distinguished by their long, curved horns and a so-called “saddle”, that is a white patch on sides of the body. The female of the mouflon is called a ewe.
Do mouflons occur in Poland?
The mouflon occurs in Poland and is an introduced species, brought from the areas of Corsica and Sardinia. The first introduction of this species in the Jelenia Góra Valley took place at the beginning of the 20th century. At that time, muflons brought by Count Schaffgotsch were released in the vicinity of Jagniątków, Zachełmie, and Przesieka. The introduction of this species was closely related to hunting goals, aimed at increasing the attractiveness of hunting, which was very popular in the early 20th century. Mouflons appeared in the Kaczawskie Foothills only in the 1990s.
The mouflon is a symbol of the “Chełmy” Landscape Park.
