🌿Native Nature

Bighorn Sheep

Ovis canadensis

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia ›Phylum: Chordata ›Class: Mammalia ›Order: Artiodactyla ›Family: Bovidae ›Genus: Ovis

About

The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a species of sheep native to North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb), while the sheep themselves weigh up to 140 kg (300 lb). Recent genetic testing indicates three distinct subspecies of Ovis canadensis, one of which is endangered: O. c. sierrae. Sheep originally crossed to North America over the Bering land bridge from Siberia; the population in North America peaked in the millions,...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Bighorn Sheep?
The scientific name of Bighorn Sheep is Ovis canadensis.
What is the conservation status of Bighorn Sheep?
The Bighorn Sheep has a conservation status of Least Concern.
What kingdom does Bighorn Sheep belong to?
Bighorn Sheep belongs to the kingdom Animalia.
What phylum does Bighorn Sheep belong to?
Bighorn Sheep belongs to the phylum Chordata.
What class does Bighorn Sheep belong to?
Bighorn Sheep belongs to the class Mammalia.
What order does Bighorn Sheep belong to?
Bighorn Sheep belongs to the order Artiodactyla.
What family does Bighorn Sheep belong to?
Bighorn Sheep belongs to the family Bovidae.
What genus does Bighorn Sheep belong to?
Bighorn Sheep belongs to the genus Ovis.

In the News

Colorado community fights plan to use drones to spray weed killer

Officials in Boulder County, Colorado, say they have a safe plan to wipe out invasive weeds, but some locals are concerned Soon, weed-killing chemicals will start falling from the sky over the Red Hill area of Boulder county, Colorado. The wildland is known for its biodiversity, home to hundreds of important species and a concentration of rare environmental resources. It is a key habitat for beloved herds of elk and bighorn sheep, with farms and ranchland lying at its base. Continue reading...

The Guardian Environment · 11/1/2026

How to stitch a massive wildlife corridor through the Rocky Mountains

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada — On a sunny Thursday in May, Kent Kebe had to scrape yet another bighorn sheep carcass off Highway 93/95 running through Radium, British Columbia. The necropsy confirmed what Kebe, the village’s protective service manager, already knew: A car collision killed the ram. Roadkill deaths hit this community hard. Residents love their […]

Mongabay · 7/22/2026