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Bighorn Sheep
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The bighorn sheep’s technical name is Ovis Canadensis. There are three subspecies: Desert Bighorn, Rocky Mountain Bighorn, and Sierra Nevada Bighorn. The bighorn is related to mountain dwelling sheep that live in Siberia and North America.
Size and Life Expectancy
They can weigh up to 300 lbs (135 kg), and be up to five feet (1.5 meters) long and three and a quarter feet (1 meter) at the shoulder. Females are smaller. Big Horn Sheep live ten to fifteen years.
Range and Habitat
Big horn sheep range from Alaska and Northern Canada to Mexico. They tend to live in mountainous areas where they can quickly escape to steep rocks.
Diet
Grasses and other vegetation.
Predators
Bobcats, wolves, coyotes; eagles eat young bighorns.
Extra Fun Facts
Horn-butting battles between male bighorns have been known to go on for over 24 hours. The horns of a male bighorn can weigh up to 30 lbs (13.5 kg). Desert Bighorns don't need to drink water in the winter because the plants they eat provide enough liquid for them. In the summer they have to drink water about once in three days.