Sheep are pretty much unilaterally adorable. The fluffy puffballs have been prized for generations for their thick wooly coats that humans can use as clothing.
And, for the most part, you'd probably never think of a sheep as spooky. Sheep and lambs have usually been associated with gentleness and sweetness, and sometimes (and not as nicely) with not being very bright. It's something about their friendly, easygoing nature, their preference to just hang out and nibble on grass, and of course, their fluffiness.
But if you're in the Valais region of Switzerland, you might see some that look a little more ominous than your average sheep.
The Valais Blacknose is characterized by its all-black face and ears. With white wool on the rest of its body, its black face looks, from a distance, kind of like an empty hood, and its eyes, nose, and mouth are difficult to see.
But while they might look a little ghostly, they're just like any other sheep and love to graze, sniff around, and form bonds with their herds and take care of one another.
Take a look at the Valais Blacknose sheep below, and you just might fall in love — or you might be surprised that a sheep can be so spooky!
[H/T: BoredPanda]
Meet the Valais blacknose sheep. These extra fluffy sheep come from the Valais region in Switzerland, where their thick wool keeps them very warm during the Alpine winters.
They're characterized (and aptly named) for their black faces, ears, and legs.
And while they're certainly adorable, their very dark faces — especially against the white of the rest of their wool — makes them look a little unsettling from a distance.
You're never quite sure if they're looking at you.
In reality, of course, they're no creepier than any other sheep, which is to say, they're not very creepy at all.
Just like other breeds of sheep from around the world, the Valais blacknose loves grazing in the sunshine and hanging out with their flocks.
And in Switzerland, where the breed originated, there are also plenty of mountains to explore.
Because they come from a cold climate, their wool is extremely thick, and so these sheep are typically raised for their wool. After all, they look very comfortable.
And they really are adorable. Something about those little faces is just precious.
And sometimes they get a little silly and stick their tongues out, which is even cuter.
In this breed, both the males and females have horns, but often, the horns are hard to see in the middle of all that fluff.
And some of them have little kneepads! These sweet sheep are a favorite of farmers and animal lovers everywhere.
Do you think they're adorable, spooky, or adorably spooky?
Let us know in the comments, and SHARE them with anyone who loves an unexpected-looking animal!
