Ovis canadensis, commonly known as the bighorn sheep, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution primarily includes the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and other mountain ranges of the western United States as well as parts of Canada and northern Mexico.

Bighorn sheep typically inhabit mountainous regions characterized by steep, rugged terrain. They are found in varying elevational ranges, from arid desert mountains and foothills to alpine tundra zones. The climate in these areas can be harsh with cold winters, although desert populations experience significantly warmer and drier conditions.

Bighorn sheep are well-adapted to their mountainous environments. They are herbivores that primarily feed on grasses, shrubs, and forbs. Their adaptations include specialized hooves for climbing and jumping on rocky surfaces, as well as acute vision to detect predators. Habitat selection often varies by subspecies and seasonal movements, as some populations migrate between higher elevations in summer and lower elevations in winter.