{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "bighorn-sheep",
  "name": "Bighorn Sheep",
  "scientificName": "Ovis canadensis",
  "category": "Mammal",
  "summary": "Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) are mountain sheep of western North America whose rams grow massive curling horns used in ritual clashes. They graze alpine meadows and desert cliffs from Canada to Mexico, weigh around 100 kg for large rams, and are listed Least Concern, though pneumonia outbreaks linked to domestic sheep still devastate herds.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Mammalia",
    "order": "Artiodactyla",
    "family": "Bovidae",
    "genus": "Ovis"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 100,
    "lengthM": 1.7,
    "topSpeedKmh": 30,
    "lifespanYears": 12
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Ovis canadensis"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Herbivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Alpine meadows, cliffs, and desert mountains"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "Around 12 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "About 100 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary)."
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "Up to roughly 30 km/h when moving at speed."
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Rocky Mountains and desert ranges from Canada through the western United States into Mexico.",
    "continents": [
      "North America"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bighorn-sheep/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/bighorn-sheep/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}