Bighorn sheep

Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a species of sheep native to North America. The species is named for its large horns, which can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg) in males, also known as rams. Females, or ewes, also have horns, but they are shorter with less curvature.

Description

Bighorn sheep are known for their large, curved horns. The horns of a mature ram can weigh up to 30 pounds, which is more than all the bones in his body combined. The horns are made of keratin, the same substance as human hair and nails, and grow throughout the sheep's life. Ewes also have horns, but they are shorter and less curved than those of the rams.

Habitat

Bighorn sheep inhabit a wide range of environments, from the dry, desert areas of the southwestern United States to the snowy mountain ranges of Canada. They are well adapted to these harsh environments, with specialized hooves that provide superior grip and balance on the steep, rocky terrain.

Behavior

Bighorn sheep live in large herds, with separate groups for rams and ewes. They are highly social animals, and much of their behavior, such as the dramatic head-butting contests between rams, is centered around their social structure.

Conservation

Bighorn sheep populations have declined significantly since the arrival of European settlers in North America. The primary threats to bighorn sheep are habitat loss, disease, and predation. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and restoration, as well as disease management and predator control.

See also

• List of mammals of North America
• Wildlife of the United States
• Conservation in the United States