Dall sheep

Dall sheep in denali

Dall Sheep Rams (5301124017)

Dall Sheep herd

Hunters with dall ram heads old photo historical vintage

A Dall sheep eating dried vegetation (458b2240-991f-4f6f-8a11-ca92668a05ef)

Dall sheep (Ovis dalli), also known as the Dall's sheep or thinhorn sheep, is a species of wild sheep native to northwestern North America. Named after American naturalist William Healey Dall, these sheep are characterized by their thick, curling horns and their adaptation to cold environments. They inhabit the mountain ranges of Alaska, the Yukon, the western Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia. Dall sheep are closely related to the more southernly distributed Stone sheep (Ovis dalli stonei), with some classifications considering them to be the same species, differentiated only by their horn size and coloration.

Description

Dall sheep are medium-sized animals, with males (rams) significantly larger than females (ewes). Rams can weigh between 160 to 250 pounds (73 to 113 kg), while ewes are lighter, typically weighing between 100 to 150 pounds (45 to 68 kg). Their most distinctive feature is the males' large, curled horns, which can grow throughout their lifetime and are used in dominance battles between rams. The horns of ewes are shorter and less curved. Dall sheep have a white coat, which serves as camouflage against the snowy and rocky environments they inhabit.

Habitat and Distribution

Dall sheep are found in alpine and subalpine regions, where they prefer rugged terrain that provides both feeding opportunities and protection from predators. They are adept climbers and can often be found on steep slopes and rocky outcrops. Their range is primarily within the mountainous regions of Alaska and the Canadian North, including parts of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and northern British Columbia.

Behavior

Dall sheep are social animals, with ewes and young rams forming herds of up to 100 individuals. Mature rams often lead solitary lives or form smaller bands outside of the mating season, which occurs in late November and early December. During the rut, rams engage in dramatic head-butting contests to win mating rights with ewes. These battles can be heard from great distances and are a remarkable sight.

Diet

The diet of Dall sheep primarily consists of a variety of grasses, sedges, and mosses. During the winter months, when snow covers much of their grazing land, they may also consume lichen and woody plant material. Their ability to find adequate food sources during the harsh winter months is crucial for their survival.

Conservation

While Dall sheep populations are currently stable in most of their range, they face threats from climate change, habitat encroachment, and potential disease transmission from domestic sheep. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and minimizing human impact on their natural environments.

See Also

• Bighorn sheep
• Wildlife of Alaska
• Conservation status