Alpenglow Images

Nature & Landscape Photography by Greg Russell

Desert Bighorn Sheep

Numerous races of the bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) occur throughout much of western North America. Several of these are endangered or threatened because of habitat loss, hunting pressure, introduced diseases, or other problems. Desert bighorn sheep (O. c. nelsoni) are typically found in small scattered bands adapted to a desert mountain environment with little or no permanent water. Some of the bighorn may go without visiting water for weeks or months, sustaining their body moisture from food and from rainwater collected in temporary rock pools. They may have the ability to lose up to 30 percent of their body weight and still survive. After drinking water, they quickly recover from their dehydrated condition.


Desert Bighorn ewe, Zion National Park; Image #0174	Desert Bighorn ewe, Zion National Park; Image #0175

Desert Bighorn, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0171	Desert Bighorn, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0172

Desert Bighorn Family, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0173	Desert Bighorns, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0295

Desert Bighorn environmental shot; Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0296