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Bighorn cave system (connected to horsetheif) crosses under the border of Montana and Wyoming. Bighorn cave's entrance (which is in Montana) is a solution fissure, that drops vertical for 78'. Technical gear is required to enter.
Bighorn cave was discovered in 1961 and gated in 1972. The cave seems to be formed by an artesian aquifier, but there are solution dolines that have formed red clay crystals, known as buddas, or chimineys (also found in horsetheif). The major passages run east/west, with minors running norh/south.
A connection point exists between Horsetheif and Bighorn, but was permantly plugged with concrete for the reason of the connection being before Horsetheif's gate.
Horsetheif and Bighorn Caves both contain high readings of radon gas, which has been known to cause lung cancer. An allowable amount of time in the caves is 180 hours of exposure a year.
The key and permit can be obtained from the Bighorn Canyon Recreation Center in Lovell, WY.