Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Overview

  • Species Common Name Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
  • Species Scientific Name Ovis canadensis canadensis
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

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.

Conservation actions

Reintroduce transplants of bighorns to suitable indigenous habitat. Prevent bighorns from coming in contact with domestic sheep and goats.