BIGHORN SHEEP Ovis canadensis 1.6–1.9m, 8–12cm, 75–135kg; 1.5–1.7m, 7–12cm, 48–85kg

A brown sheep with a white rump patch and large curved horns that symbolizes mountain wilderness in North America. Large male horns are used in combat to establish dominance. Female horns are smaller. Easily distinguished from Dall’s Sheep by color and geographic range. In spring molt, cream-colored females are distinguished from Mountain Goats by coat and horn color. Heaviest in October, lightest in May. Measurements given are for O. c. canadensis from the central and northern Rockies, the largest subspecies. Often seen at saltlicks. Typically in groups of 5–80 animals. Many populations are migratory, moving between summer and winter ranges. Limited by water availability in desert habitats, where many isolated populations are declining and the subspecies O. c. californiana from Cali- fornia is Endangered. Prefers treeless areas with nearby cliffs or rocky areas to escape from predators.