Mountain Goat
Oreamnos americanus
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
The mountain goat, also known as the Rocky Mountain goat, is a cloven-footed mammal that is endemic to the remote and rugged mountainous areas of western North America. A subalpine to truly alpine species, it is a sure-footed climber commonly seen on sheer rock faces, near-vertical cliffs and icy passages. Mountain goats generally avoid venturing down into lower elevations—except during seasonal food shortages or during particularly bad weather—as the extreme elevation of their habitat is the primary defense against predators such as black and brown bears, pumas and wolves.
Fun Fact
Mountain goats aren't true goats — they belong to the antelope subfamily — and they can climb near-vertical cliff faces using cloven hooves with soft, grippy inner pads that act like natural climbing shoes.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Alpine and subalpine zones
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
12-15 years
Threats
- Mining Operations
- Climate Change