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DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP
IMAGE: Two young male desert bighorn sheep stand on rocks on a hill in their habitat.
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ovis canadensis nelsoni
HOUSE NAME: Males: Bucky, Waylon, Dylan, Toaster, and Blue Tag
DESCRIPTION: They have a medium sized body with brown fur and white around the muzzle, rump, and belly. Their soft hooves allow them to trek the various terrains. Males (rams) have large, curved horns and Females (ewes) have short slightly curved horns.
They can weigh up to 250 pounds.
HABITAT: North America: Southwest including Grand Canyon, Mojave, and Sonoran Deserts
CONSERVATION STATUS: Supspecies is Endangered
FUN FACT: Bighorn sheep are herbivores and ruminants (4 chambered stomachs), allowing them to digest cellulose. Desert bighorn sheep can go 5-15 days without drinking water. They are typically found in groups of related females and lambs. Their horns have growth rings (annuli), and the 4th year is the first heavy dark, ring. Males horns become a full “curl” by 8 years of age and can be up to 33 inches (30-40lbs). Their horns are a symbol of rank. They utilize scent marking.
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