Not a True Goat: The mountain goat isn't a true goat; it is more like a mountain antelope, but it has many features in common with goats and so it is placed in its own genus.
Rock Solid Footing: Mountain goats are considered the best rock climbers in North America and readily move along small ledges, up steep slopes and across deep chasms. Their impressive climbing skills permit them to forage in small alpine meadows that are inaccessible to other animals; there they feed on grasses, sedges, lichens, and occasionally the leaves and shoots of shrubs.
Counting Rings: Both sexes possess curved black horns, which are used to help age individuals. At about 2 years of age, a ring is formed in each horn, and every subsequent year a new ring is added; by counting rings, age can be calculated.
