BIGHORN SHEEP

 

 

 

Physical Characteristics

  • ·         The smooth coat consists of guard hairs and dense fleece, varying from dark brown to grayish to pale tan depending on the region.

  • ·         The belly, rump patch, back of legs, nose area , and eye patch are all white.

  • ·         The brown horns are found in both sexes, but are much larger in males.

  • ·         In females, the horns are slender and saber-like, never forming more than half a curl.

  • ·         In males, the horns are massive and curl up, back over the ears, then curve down, forward, and up past the cheeks.

        Length : 150- 195 cm ( 5.0 -6.5 feet)

      Shoulder Height : 80 – 100 cm ( 2.7 to 3.3 ft )

Horn length: 83 cm ( 33 in )

Tail length: 10- 15 cm ( 4- 6 in )

Weight: 45 – 135 lbs ( 99 – 297 lbs )                                                                 

Range: Southern Canada to Colorado  and Southwestern United states  

Habitat: Alpine Meadows, grassy mountain, and foothills

Diet: Grasses, Sedges, and Forbs

Status: Several population may be threatened with eventual extinction

Reason for the status: Illegal hunting, introducing dieases, livestock, and human encroachment

Gestation period : 5 – 6 months

Longevity :   19 years in wild / 10 to 11 months in captivity   

             

 

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