Ovis dalli
Range
They are found in Alaska, and northwest Canada.Habitat
They live in the high mountains where it can be very cold and windy and few predators can reach them.Body Traits
They can weigh up to 200 pounds and reach 6 feet long with big curling horns. They are covered with thick, white fur. They have yellow eyes, massive curling horns, black nose and hooves.Habits
In the winter they travel (migrate) to lower places where they can find food. When they come out of the mountains onto the flatter areas, they come together into large herds. This is thought to be safer when they down near predators.Diet
They eat grass, leaves, twigs, lichens and moss.Predators
They are hunted by wolves, wolverines, bears, golden eagles (young) and humans.Reproduction
The males and females only come together in the fall to mate. Males compete for females by ramming their big horns together. Females are pregnant for 6 months and have one baby.Lifespan and/or Conservation Status
They can live up to 15 years in the wild. They are listed as Lower Risk – Least Concern.
Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Subphylum: Vertebrata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Subfamily: Caprinae
- Genus: Ovis
- Species: Ovis dalli