Wild Animals A-Z

Mammals
Mammals » Wild Animals A-Z »

Mountain Goat

Oreamnos americanus

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.

Explore More

MORE NORTHERN ANIMALS

Caribou
The caribou: poster child for antler equality.

Wolverine
It slices! It dices! But wait, there's more! Meet the wolverine.

Grizzly Bear
You gonna eat that salmon? How about those berries?

Moose
That's quite a rack! Behold the awesomely-antlered moose.

MORE RELATIVES

FACTS: More Mountain Goat Facts

INTERACTIVE: Anatomy of a Himalayan Tahr

SPECIES: Meet the Ibex

SPECIES: Meet the Dall Sheep

SPECIES: Meet the Japanese Serow

DID YOU KNOW?

Heated from Inside: Microorganisms in the mountain goat's stomach generate heat during digestion; this helps the mountain goat stay warm through winter and in the cool temperatures of their high-altitude habitat.

A Sure-Footed Species: The mountain goat is one of the world's best rock climbers. Its feet have inner pads for traction and cloven hooves that can spread apart for better grip. A dewclaw on the back of each foot also keeps it from slipping.