Desert bighorn ewe resting in typical habitat on a warm hillside

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A desert bighorn sheep ewe resting in sunlight on a desert hillside. Desert bighorns (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) are adapted to the dry, rugged environment they prefer by being water savers. They can go long periods without drinking; when necessary, they're able to obtain the moisture they need from the grasses, forbs and shrubs they eat. Like all ruminants, they rest and chew the cud, which also serves as an energy-saving activity.

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Size: 5200px × 3467px
Location: Near Escalante Creek in western Colorado, USA
Photo credit: © Denise Dethlefsen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No

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