An iconic species found in the mountains of North America, including the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and the Cascade Range. These majestic animals are known for their impressive curved horns that weigh up to 14 kg (30 pounds) and are used for combat and dominance displays. They are also incredibly agile, climbing steep slopes and jumping over obstacles easily. Bighorn sheep are herbivores and eat grasses and other vegetation found in alpine meadows and other high-altitude habitats.

They play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of mountain ecosystems by grazing on vegetation and creating new habitats through their foraging behaviors. Bighorn sheep are also highly valued by Indigenous communities, who have long-held cultural and spiritual connections with these animals. Unfortunately, bighorn sheep populations have declined in recent years due to habitat loss, disease, and human activities such as hunting and mining

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Canada

15,600

Official estimate

LC

2019

Mexico

14,000

Official estimate

LC

2019

United States

42,700

Official estimate

LC

2019