Bighorn sheep are magnificent animals to encounter and are particularly special in the State of Colorado as the state’s official animal.
Bighorn Sheep
Bighorn sheep roam freely across high-mountain terrain, southwestern deserts, and the Great Plains. Recognizable by their massive, curled horns, greyish-brown fur, and muscular build, these animals can live around 15 years in Colorado’s rugged environment. As herbivores, they feed on native plants, shrubs, and grasses found throughout their natural habitat. Males, called rams, use their horns to engage in head-butting to establish dominance and compete for female ewes.
Where to See Bighorn Sheep
Colorado is home to the largest population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, making them a fitting choice for the state animal, a designation that became official in 1961. They primarily inhabit high, rocky terrain, but are sometimes spotted at lower elevations, including alongside mountain roads. They can also be spotted while enjoying alpine hikes, such as those found in the San Juan Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park. Other states, including Montana, Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming, are also home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, while southern states such as Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas have desert bighorn sheep, while California and the Pacific Northwest are home to California bighorn sheep, which are slightly smaller than Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, CO proudly features CAM the Ram as their logo and mascot, which honors CSU’s original name of Colorado Agricultural and Mechanical College. CSU offers a wide range of programs through its accredited College of Agricultural Science, College of Business, Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, College of Natural Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and Warner College of Natural Resources. Together, these colleges provide students with countless opportunities to learn, conduct research, and collaborate across numerous fields,
Bighorn sheep are just one of the spectacular animal species we are fortunate to share this beautiful area with. For more local information, please reach out to Deven Meininger, Katie Hutcheson, or Max Hutcheson of The Durango Team at The Wells Group.
