The Desert Bighorn Sheep is found in Nevada’s mountainous desert and is designated the official state animal of Nevada. They are stocky, heavy-bodied sheep; large rams grow to 4-1/2 feet tall and can weigh as much as 200 pounds. I saw two herds of them today.
With their unique padded hooves, bighorns are able to climb the steep, rocky terrain of desert mountains with speed and agility.
Both the male and female develop horns soon after birth and their horns continue to grow throughout life. Older rams have impressive sets of curling horns that can measure over three feet long and one foot of circumference at the base.
The horns of females are much smaller and lighter and do not tend to curl. Desert Bighorn Sheep use their horns for fighting, and as tools to break open cactus, which they consume.
Bighorn sheep are gregarious, sometimes forming herds of over 100 individuals, but small groups of 8-10 are more common. Mature males usually stay apart from females and young for most of the year in separate bachelor herds.