Campus Life

Struttin' Their Stuff

In the spring, male sage-grouse gather in groups at sites called "leks" to court females. In an elaborate, age-old mating ritual, males perform vocalizations and dance-like movements to attract mates. The gathering is not without conflicts, as males face off and compete for attractive ladies.
 
For more information, contact Terry Messmer, professor, Forest, Range and Wildlife Sciences Department, College of Natural Resources, Utah State University and wildlife specialist, USU Extension, 435-797-3975. To view a video clip of the mating ritual, visit the Web site.

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