Habitat Use by a Low-Elevation, Semicaptive Bighorn Sheep Population

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Abstract
Seasonal preferences for habitat types, slope, aspect, visibility, and distance to escape terrain were studied for a reintroduced, low-elevation bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis) population in Fort Robinson State Park, Nebraska [USA]. In summer and fall, Rock Outcrop habitats were preferred and Open Grasslands avoided. No habitat preferences were exhibited in winter or sping. In all seasons, bighorn sheep preferred slopes of 61-80% and avoided slopes of 0-20%. Southern aspects were preferred in summer and winter, whereas eastern aspects wree avoided. Areas with 0-20% visibility were used more than expected in all seasons, and areas with 81-100% visibility were avoided. Bighorn sheep selected areas of low visibility near escape terrain.

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