Young Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep ram in Kananaskis, Alberta
The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis candensis ) is a species of sheep in North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to 30 pounds (14 kg), while the sheep themselves weigh up to 300 pounds (140 kg). Recent genetic testing indicates that there are three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: Ovis canadensis sierrae. Sheep originally crossed to North America over the Bering land bridge from Siberia: the population in North America peaked in the millions, and the bighorn sheep entered into the mythology of Native Americans. However, by 1900 the population had crashed to several thousand. Conservation efforts have restored the population.
Size: 3000px × 2860px
Location: Kananaskis Alberta Canada
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: animal, bighorn, canada, horns, mountain, nature, ram, rocky, sheep, walking, wildlife, young