Colorado State Animal

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

(Ovis canadensis)

Adopted in 1961.

The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Ovis canadensis, was adopted as the official state animal on May 1, 1961 by an act of the General Assembly.

The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep is found only in the Rockies, usually above timberline in rugged mountainous areas. The male sheep is three to three and a half feet tall at the shoulder and weighs up to three hundred pounds, while the female is slightly smaller. These large animals are known for their agility and perfect sense of balance. The bighorn sheep was named for its massive horns which curve backward from the forehead, down, then forward. On the ram the horns can be as much as fifty inches in length. It is unlawful to pursue, take, hunt, wound, or kill the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep except as provided by law.

Citation: Senate Bill 294, 1961; Colorado Revised Statute 24-80-911.

Description of the Colorado State Animal

Weigh up to about 300 lbs (140 kg) in males and up to about 200 lbs (90 kg) in females. Overall tan to brown with a conspicuous white rump patch. Males have large, curled horns whereas females have smaller horns that do not curl back under eyes like those in males.

Natural History

Herbivorous. Most active morning and late afternoon/evening (crepuscular), but may be active during the daytime (diurnal) also, especially during winter. Bighorn Sheep have adapted to the desert in many ways; one way is their ability to tolerate hyperthermia (see adaptation section). Normally their body temperature is 101 degrees, but they can tolerate body temperatures up to 107 degrees (42 degrees C). Prefer rocky habitats with steep slopes and cliffs to escape predators (e.g., Mountain Lions). Males butt heads to establish mating rights, and mating takes place during August and September. Except for bachelor males (who form their own small groups), they live in herds led by a dominant female.

Taxonomic Hierarchy of the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep