Overview
"The wild sheep ranks highest among the animal mountaineers of the Sierra." —John Muir
The heavy snows and fierce winds that sweep across the high Sierra make this a challenging environment for even the skilled mountaineers. Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep call this home. They’ve been battling the elements, disease, and predators for centuries as they struggle to come back from the brink of extinction. In 1995 there were only 105 Sierra Nevada bighorn remaining compared to thousands during the 19th century. Early Californian shepherds grazing their livestock in high alpine meadows brought devastating disease into bighorn country, much like European settlers brought Old World diseases to the native Americans.
Sierra bighorn populations continue to fluctuate. Prior to the record-breaking snowfall of the 22/23 winter, the Sierra bighorn population was over 500, but populations dropped dramatically during the winter of heavy snowfall. Visit the links to see what CDFW is doing to conserve this majestic animal.
Learn more
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Program
787 N. Main Suite 220
Bishop CA 93514
(760) 872-1171
asksnbs@wildlife.ca.gov