What is a Desert Bighorn Sheep

June 20, 2019 by Billie Hillier Leave a Comment

Please note, our articles may contain referral or affiliate links.

<img class="lazyload wp-image-840 size-full aligncenter" src="https://valleyoffirenevada.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/IMG_3692-e1538095295555.jpg" alt="What a Desert Bighorn Sheep" width="750" height="1000">

A female Desert Bighorn Sheep at the Valley of Fire Visitors Center.

What is a Desert Bighorn Sheep

<img class="lazyload aligncenter size-full wp-image-837" src="https://valleyoffirenevada.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-desert-bighorn-sheep-e1538094706602.jpg" alt="What is a Desert Bighorn Sheep" width="750" height="445">

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Desert Bighorn Sheep – Ovis canadensis

HABITAT

Rocky cliffs near springs or small streams; seasonal use of water in natural tanks.

SIZE/DESCRIPTION

75 to 275 pounds (37.5 to 137.5 kg), 4 to 6 ft (1.2 to 2 m) at shoulder.

Muscular body, thick neck.

Rams support massive horns that curl into a “C” shape; females have smaller hooked horns.

Color: tan to dark brown, white rump patch.

FOOD

Very wide range of shrubs, forbes, and grasses.

RANGE

Southern British Columbia, southwestern Alberta, through Idaho and Montana south to Nevada, southeastern California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

ADAPTATION

Consumes the widest range of plant life of all hoofed mammals, but must have water available.

Cloven hoofs are strong but flexible and give like crepe rubber when the animal makes its spectacular 20 foot (6.5 m) leaps down the face of seemingly sheer cliffs.

COMMENTS

Important food source for Indians for thousands of years.

Frequently found in rock art throughout the range of these animals, reflecting their importance for America’s native peoples.

OFFICIAL NEVADA STATE ANIMAL

What a Desert Bighorn Sheep

Desert Bighorn Sheep are often seen at the nearby Hemenway Park near Lake Mead in Boulder City, NV.

<img class="lazyload size-full wp-image-6704 aligncenter" src="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-sheep-lamb-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-sheep-lamb-scaled.jpg 750w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-sheep-lamb-300x200.jpg 300w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-sheep-lamb-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-sheep-lamb-768x512.jpg 768w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-sheep-lamb-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px">

<img class="lazyload aligncenter size-full wp-image-8407" src="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-4-scaled.jpg" alt="Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)" width="750" height="694" srcset="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-4-scaled.jpg 750w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-4-300x278.jpg 300w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-4-768x710.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px">

<img class="lazyload aligncenter size-full wp-image-8408" src="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-2-scaled.jpg" alt="Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)" width="750" height="498" srcset="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-2-scaled.jpg 750w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-2-300x199.jpg 300w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-2-768x510.jpg 768w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-2-340x225.jpg 340w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px">

<img class="lazyload aligncenter size-full wp-image-8409" src="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis)" width="750" height="500" srcset="https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-1-scaled.jpg 750w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://southwestexplorers.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Bighorn-Sheep-Ovis-canadensis-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px">

What is a Desert Bighorn Sheep

I am an outdoor enthusiast who would rather be on a backcountry backpacking trip than a stroll on the beach (although I do love the beach!).

Living in Las Vegas has afforded me the opportunity to easily explore the Southwest region of the United States.

A nature lover, I am often found at the end of the pack taking photos and videos of the wildlife found on the trails. Colorful flowers, desert animals, and unusual geological rock formations are often the majority of my photos.

Check Out This Article Too!

Mojave Green Rattlesnake

« What is a Greater Roadrunner

What is a Common Raven »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Site Policies and Terms of Use

We are outdoor enthusiasts sharing our explorations and are not professionals.

While we share information to help you plan your own adventures, research and do your own due diligence before hitting the trails.