Automatically translated. This page was translated automatically from German and has not been reviewed by our editors.Show original
Hoofed mammals
Bighorn sheep
Bighorn sheep · Ovis canadensis
Bighorn sheep impress with their spiral horns and are true specialists for rocky mountain landscapes.
Fact file
- Size
- Rams up to 140 kg and 1 m shoulder height, females much lighter at around 75 kg
- Males and females
- Only the males have large spiral horns and are noticeably more massive
- Sounds
- Generally quiet, occasional soft bleating, impressive horn clashes during fights between rivals
- Diet
- Eats grasses, herbs, leaves and occasionally lichens
- Offspring
- The lambs are born in spring after a gestation period of around 180 days
How to identify Bighorn sheep
Bighorn sheep are easy to recognise by their powerful, spirally curved horns. These are massive and heavy in the males, while in the females they are smaller and less curved. The coat is usually light brown or grey-brown with whitish areas on the rump, belly and muzzle.
With a shoulder height of around 90 centimetres and a stocky, muscular body, bighorn sheep look compact and powerful. Their short white tail and hefty horns give them a distinctive silhouette in rocky landscapes.
More in the app
With Wildful Stories+ you also get in the app:
- general viewing tips
- 6 places where you can see Bighorn sheep
Where Bighorn sheep live
Discover Bighorn sheep on your trip.
The app shows you where and when to see wildlife along your route.
