Alberta has a number of official emblems and symbols.
There is the provincial animal, bird, fish, gemstone, song, and even a grass. Plus many more.
Then of course there is the official coat of arms.
What is the Alberta Provincial Animal?
The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, Ovis canadensis, is the official mammal of Alberta.
More specifically, this is the provincial official mammal, as there are other animal emblems such as the Bull Trout.
The Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep became the official mammal on August 18, 1989. Today, they are mostly found in the Rocky Mountains regions of Alberta, hence the name.
There is fossil evidence of these Big Horn sheep that trace back to prehistoric times.
Emblems are not just an unspoken sentimental concept. There is an actual Emblems of Alberta Act.
The purpose of the act is generally to provide image and logo consistency and set parameters on how those images may be used in government.
In Summary
- Alberta’s official mammal is The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
- This is mammal specifically, not animal in general
- There are several official animals in Alberta, separated by type of animal
