Mountain Goats – Masters of the Mountains

Mountain goats are famous for their extraordinary ability to climb steep, rocky mountains where few other large mammals can follow. Despite their name, they are not true goats—and their specialized feet make them some of the most impressive climbers in the animal kingdom.

• Not True Goats — Mountain goats belong to the antelope-and-goat family, but they are not closely related to domestic goats in the way their name suggests.
• Built for Climbing — Their hooves have hard, sharp edges and soft, flexible pads that grip tiny ledges on almost vertical rock faces.
• White Winter Coat — Their thick white fur provides excellent insulation against freezing mountain temperatures and can become especially long during winter.
• Extreme Heights — Mountain goats can live at elevations above 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), where oxygen is thin and conditions are harsh.
• Surprisingly Powerful — Their muscular shoulders and strong legs allow them to climb slopes that look almost impossible for a large animal to navigate.
• Tiny Mountain Kids — Young mountain goats can begin climbing remarkably soon after birth, following their mothers across steep terrain.
• A Natural Helmet — Both males and females have pointed horns, which continue growing throughout their lives and can be used for fighting and defense.
• Summer Shedding — After winter, mountain goats shed their thick undercoat, sometimes rubbing against rocks and trees to help remove loose fur.
• Salt Seekers — They are known to seek out natural sources of salt and minerals, sometimes traveling surprisingly long distances to find them.
• Mountain Specialists — Their combination of balance, hooves, fur, and powerful bodies allows them to survive in some of North America's most rugged alpine environments.

Think you can handle the heights? Take the quiz and see how much you know about these incredible mountain climbers!