Location: North America
Habitat: Mountain
Diet: Herbivores
Characteristic: Most have shaggy white hair that keep them warm in cold areas
Conservation: Least Concern
The mountain goat is a remarkable species found in mountainous regions all over the world. Mountain goats are sturdy, medium-sized ungulates. Adult males, known as billies, typically weigh between 100 to 300 pounds, while females, called nannies, are slightly smaller. They are recognized for their thick, white fur that helps them blend into their snowy habitats. Mountain goats have sharp, curved horns that can grow up to a foot in length.
These creatures are herbivores, mainly feeding on alpine vegetation such as grasses, herbs, shrubs, and lichens. Mountain goats are famous for their exceptional climbing abilities, thanks to specialized hooves with rubbery concave footpads and sharp, pointed cloven hooves. This adaptation allows them to scale steep cliffs and navigate rocky terrain with ease.
Mountain goats are generally solitary, with nannies and kids forming small groups, while adult males tend to be more solitary. Breeding typically occurs in late fall, and females give birth to one or two kids in the spring after a gestation period of about six months.
While mountain goats are not currently considered endangered, they do face threats in some areas due to habitat destruction, climate change affecting alpine ecosystems, and disease transmission from domestic goats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitat and preventing human disturbance in their mountainous homes.