Fauna
Mammal

Dall Sheep

Ovis dalli

Also known as Thinhorn Sheep, Dall's Sheep, White Sheep

Dall sheep navigate sheer alpine cliffs with specialized soft-soled hooves that grip steep rock faces. Ewes and young lambs form close-knit nursery bands on high ledges, while mature rams spend most of the year in bachelor groups that clash dramatically each autumn to establish mating dominance. Their brilliant white coats offer camouflage against winter snow, while horn size clearly visualizes social rank within the herd.

AlpineMammalHoofed
Dall Sheep reference1 / 7
(c) Forest Service Alaska Region, USDA, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasses, sedges, dwarf willow shrubs, lichen, moss
Predators
  • Wolf
  • Grizzly Bear
  • Golden Eagle
ThreatsClimate change, severe winter weather, habitat fragmentation, potential disease from domestic stock
HabitatsAlpine tundra, rocky ridges, steep mountain slopes
Life span12–15 years
Classification
  1. OrderArtiodactyla
  2. FamilyBovidae
  3. GenusOvis
  4. SpeciesOvis dalli
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Large rams can defend themselves forcefully; observe from a safe distance using optics.
Why it is dangerous
Rams weigh up to 110 kg and carry heavy, coiled horns capable of inflicting blunt force injuries.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognizable by an all-white coat, prominent amber horns, and presence on steep mountain terrain.
What to do
Maintain a generous distance and back away slowly if a sheep shows signs of agitation or approaches.
What to notice
Look for bright white stocky animals grazing on windswept alpine ridgelines or sheer cliffs.
Support conservation
Stay below the ridgeline and retreat immediately if sheep raise their heads or move away.
Responsible observation
  • Use Optics: Observe herds with a spotting scope from below to avoid causing panic on steep cliffs.
  • Give Way: Avoid blocking natural travel paths between mineral licks and high escape terrain.
  • Keep Distance: Stay at least 100 meters away to prevent driving sheep into dangerous falls.
Related species
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