Bighorn sheep tend to forage in open areas with low vegetation such as grasslands, shrublands, or mixes of these. They prefer green forage and move up- or downslope or to different aspects for more palatable forage. The number of bighorn sheep taken by predators is usually of little consequence to healthy populations. Bighorn sheep are hunted by humans. In the last few years most states and provinces have adopted more stringent horn curl regulations.
Bighorn sheep are very susceptible to diseases.
Incidence of lungworm infestation approaches 100 percent in some herds, although the level of individual infection varies depending upon sheep and domestic livestock densities, range conditions, climate, season, and age. Desert bighorn sheep appear to have lighter infestations, possibly due to climate or low density. A significant correlation exists between the intensity of the lungworm infestation and the amount of precipitation in the spring of the previous year. In Washington state both wild and captive bighorn sheep have been successfully treated with the experimental drug albendazole. The future of bighorn sheep depends on the preservation and improvement of critical native ranges.