BIGHORN SHEEP

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

The natural range of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep exists along the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains where sheep are distributed in localized populations. Four populations of Rocky Mountain bighorns in BC exist outside of their native range and are the result of transplants. The first introduction of Rocky Mountain bighorns outside their native range occurred in 1927 when 99 sheep from Banff, Alberta were transplanted into what was probably historical California bighorn sheep range near Spences Bridge and Squilax. The Chase herd also resulted from transplanted Alberta sheep. The Lower Arrow herd resulted from 2 transplants of sheep from the East Kootenays into the area in 1985 and 1987. The South Salmo herd is a result of northward dispersal of Rocky Mountain bighorns transplanted into northern Washington in the early 70's. There are approximately 3,100 Rocky Mountain bighorns in BC (Ministry of Environment, 1998).

California Bighorn Sheep

California bighorn sheep occupy valleys and mountains of much of the Okanagan, South Cariboo and South Chilcotin regions. Chilcotin River in southern interior of BC south to the U.S. border. The population of California bighorns in BC is estimated at between 3,000 and 3,600 (Ministry of Environment, 1998).

THINHORN SHEEP

Stone’s Sheep

Stone’s sheep are found on most of the mountain ranges in the northern third of the province. They range from the Pine River within the Rocky Mountains north throughout the northern Rocky Mountains, Omineca Mountains, Cassiar Mountains, Skeena Mountains and north Coast Mountains. Three Stone's sheep transplants have occurred within BC: South of the Peace Arm of Williston Reservoir in the early 90's, west of Atlin Lake in the early 90's, and the Toad River area in 1996. There are approximately 10,500 Stone's sheep in BC (Ministry of Environment 2003).

Dall’s Sheep

Dall’s sheep are only found in the far northwest corner of the province west of Bennett Lake on the southern potion of the St. Elias Range in the Haines Triangle. The majority of Dall's sheep are found in Alaska, Yukon, and Northwest Territories. There are approximately 500 Dall's sheep in BC (Ministry of Environment 2003).