Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensis

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae

About

The bighorn sheep or bighorn is a species of sheep native to North America. It is named for its large horns. A pair of horns may weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb); the sheep typically weigh up to 143 kg (315 lb). Recent genetic testing indicates three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: O. c. sierrae.

Fun Fact

Bighorn sheep rams clash head-on at combined speeds of over 60 km/h — their double-layered skulls and spongy bone structure absorb impacts that would be fatal to almost any other animal.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Rocky mountain slopes

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

10-15 years

Threats

Mining Operations
Infrastructure Development

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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