Wild and Woolly Facts

Did You Know?

Years ago, shepherds disliked black sheep because they were less valuable on the market than white ones. Today, a "black sheep" in a family has come to be known as a disgraceful member who shames the rest.

One mature ewe produces 7 to 10 pounds enough newly shorn wool each year to make a man's suit.

One pound of wool can make ten miles of yarn.

There are 150 yards (450 feet) of wool yarn in a baseball.

Peaceful sheep, lying in a field, indicate fine weather; if they are restless and baa for no apparent reason, expect rain.

To meet a flock of sheep on a trip is an omen of good luck.

People once believed that a child with whooping cough would be cured if a sheep breathed on him or her.

There are About 1 billion sheep on the planet and about 900 different breeds.

Sheep make a bleating sound. A baby lamb can identify its mother by her bleat.

The small intestines from 11 sheep are needed to make 1 tennis racket.

Sheep prefer running water when they drink.

Sheep have poor eyesight but an excellent sense of hearing.

When Woodrow Wilson was President, the First Lady had sheep graze on the White House lawn to keep it neat and well trimmed.

President James Madison wore an inaugural jacket made from the wool of sheep raised on his Virginia farm.

If you see a sheep on its back, lend a hand! A sheep can't get up from that position. If left on its back too long, it will eventually die.

Ewes typically give birth to twins.

Sheep grow two teeth a year until they have eight.