Mammal · GBIF taxon 2441119
Bighorn Sheep
Ovis canadensisAlso known as Bighorn
The Bighorn Sheep is a muscular tan ungulate with a white rump and sure-footed hooves adapted to cliffs. Mature rams carry massive curled horns, while ewes have slimmer horns and lead groups between escape terrain, forage, and mineral sources.
Mountain UngulateCurved HornsCliff Specialist
Licensed referenceJwanamaker / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses, sedges, forbs, shrubs, and seasonal browse, supplemented by minerals from natural licks
Predators
- Mountain lions
- Wolves
- Coyotes
ThreatsPneumonia transmitted from domestic sheep, habitat fragmentation, drought, road mortality, disturbance, and climate change
HabitatsRocky mountains, alpine meadow, steep canyon, desert ranges, open slopes, and nearby river corridors
Life spanOften 10 to 15 years, with some ewes surviving close to 20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderArtiodactyla
- FamilyBovidae
- GenusOvis
- SpeciesOvis canadensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Bighorn sheep can charge or strike with heavy horns; keep at least 100 meters away and never feed them.
- Why it is dangerous
- A ram or protective ewe can accelerate quickly, knock a person down, and cause severe trauma with horns or hooves.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a stocky tan sheep with a white rump; adult rams have thick horns curling beside the face.
- What to do
- Never approach, feed, crowd, or block bighorn sheep; retreat behind solid cover if an animal advances.
Responsible observation
- Distance: Maintain at least 100 meters and increase space if sheep change direction.
- Route: Never stand between a group and cliffs, water, lambs, or a mineral lick.
- Roads: Slow down and remain inside the vehicle when sheep occupy a roadway.
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