Alpenglow Images

Nature & Landscape Photography by Greg Russell

Alpenglow Images | Nature and Landscape Photographer 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 sheep ewe in Zion National Park, Utah
Desert Bighorn sheep ewe in Zion National Park, Utah
Desert Bighorn ewe, Zion National Park; Image #0174 Desert Bighorn ewe, Zion National Park; Image #0175
Desert Bighorn sheep in Joshua Tree National Park, California Desert Bighorn sheep in Joshua Tree National Park, California
Desert Bighorn, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0171 Desert Bighorn, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0172
Desert Bighorn sheep in Joshua Tree National Park, California
Desert Bighorn sheep in Joshua Tree National Park, California
Desert Bighorn Family, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0173 Desert Bighorns, Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0295
Desert Bighorn sheep in Joshua Tree National Park, California
Desert Bighorn environmental shot; Joshua Tree National Park; Image #0296