Bighorn Sheep

The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is an iconic ungulate of the Canadian Rockies; readily seen at mineral licks and along the Icefields Parkway. In Banff National Park, the Rocky Mountain subspecies (O. c. canadensis) inhabits alpine meadows, steep slopes, and cliffs.

Identification: Tan to brown coat; white rump and muzzle. Rams have massive curled horns (used in dramatic head-butting during rut); ewes have shorter, subtler horns. Larger than mountain goats; prefer open slopes and meadows rather than sheer cliffs. Lambs born May–June.

Habitat and diet: Bighorns favour open alpine and subalpine terrain; grasslands, talus, rocky slopes. Graze on grasses and forbs; seek mineral licks (sodium, calcium) in spring and summer, which concentrates them at predictable sites.

Behaviour: Herd animals; rams and ewes may separate outside rut. Rams engage in head-clashing displays in November–December. Excellent climbers but less extreme than mountain goats.

Viewing: Mineral lick viewing sites along the Bow Valley Parkway and Icefields Parkway offer reliable sightings. Lake Louise area, Mount Norquay road, and Parker Ridge are also productive. Maintain 30 m distance; never approach or feed.