What is a Desert Bighorn Sheep
A female Desert Bighorn Sheep at the Valley of Fire Visitors Center.
Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.
Desert Bighorn Sheep – Ovis canadensis
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Subfamily: Caprinae
- Tribe: Caprini
- Genus: Ovis
- Species: O. 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
Desert Bighorn Sheep are often seen at the nearby Hemenway Park near Lake Mead in Boulder City, NV.
