Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep require large expanses of open, rugged canyon grasslands, with numerous rocky outcrops and rock cliffs. Their habitat may include isolated stands of conifer and/or deciduous trees.
Limiting factors
Pneumonia bacteria present within bighorn sheep herds, contact with domestic sheep and goats, cougar predation, and limited water supply can adversely affect bighorn sheep.
Data gaps
Increase understanding of pneumonia complex within bighorn sheep.
Conservation actions
Reintroduce transplants of bighorns to suitable indigenous habitat. Prevent bighorns from coming in contact with domestic sheep and goats.
