# Mountain Goat (*Oreamnos americanus*) Mountain goats are strong animals that live in steep, rocky places. They have thick fur to keep them warm and can climb very high mountains with ease! - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 39 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions - **Also known as:** Mountain Goat Antelope, Rocky Mountain Goat ![Mountain Goat](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425830/objects/828.jpg) ## Appearance The Mountain Goat has a shaggy, thick white coat that provides excellent camouflage in snowy, rocky environments. It possesses short, sharp, jet-black horns that curve slightly backward and a distinct beard, making it look different from many other large mammals in its habitat. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Artiodactyla - **Family:** Bovidae - **Genus:** Oreamnos ## Interesting facts - Baby mountain goats are called "kids" and can climb steep rocks within hours of birth! - Both male and female mountain goats grow horns, but males' horns are thicker at the base! - Despite their name, Mountain Goats are more closely related to antelopes and chamois! - They often visit mineral licks, licking rocks and soil to get important salts and nutrients! ## Special abilities - **Master Climber:** Mountain Goat can scale incredibly steep cliffs and rocky slopes because of their specialized hooves that provide amazing grip. - **Snow King:** Mountain Goat has a super thick, shaggy coat that helps them stay warm and protected even in freezing mountain blizzards. - **Sharp Eyes:** Mountain Goat can spot predators or find tiny plants on distant ledges thanks to their excellent eyesight, essential for survival. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 120-170 cm - **Weight:** 45-140 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-18 years - **Speed:** 30 km/h - **Litter Size:** 1-2 - **Gestation:** 147-178 days ## Diet & Feeding Mountain Goats are plant-eaters, munching on mountain grasses, leaves, and other tough alpine plants. - **Primary Foods:** Grasses, Sedges, Lichens, Mosses, Leaves, Shrub Twigs - **Foraging Method:** Grazing ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Cougar](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cougar) (*Puma concolor*) — A primary predator, especially of young or weak goats. - **Eaten by:** [Grizzly Bear](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grizzly-bear) (*Ursus arctos*) — Will prey on mountain goats if given the opportunity. - **Eaten by:** Wolf (*Canis lupus*) — Hunts mountain goats, particularly in less steep terrain. - **Eaten by:** [Golden Eagle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/golden-eagle) (*Aquila chrysaetos*) — Opportunistic predator, especially targeting young mountain goat kids. - **Eats:** Arctic Willow (*Salix arctica*) — A common dwarf shrub mountain goats forage on in alpine areas. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Keep a safe distance and watch them from afar; they are wild animals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Mountain Goat? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Mountain Goat? 120-170 cm ### How much does Mountain Goat weigh? 45-140 kg ### How long does Mountain Goat live? 12-18 years ### How fast can Mountain Goat move? 30 km/h ### What does Mountain Goat eat? Mountain Goats are plant-eaters, munching on mountain grasses, leaves, and other tough alpine plants. ### Where is Mountain Goat usually found? Mountain regions ### How does Mountain Goat hunt? Grazing ## Where to spot - [Great Northern Railway Buildings](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/great-northern-railway-buildings) — Montana, US · Historic Site - [Independence](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/independence) — Colorado, US · Neighborhood - [North Entrance Road Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/north-entrance-road-historic-district) — Wyoming, US · Historic District - [Purcell Wilderness Conservancy Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/purcell-wilderness-conservancy-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Tantalus Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/tantalus-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Northwest Trek Wildlife Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/northwest-trek-wildlife-park) — Washington, US · Zoo [View all places to see Mountain Goat](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/mountain-goat) ## Watch - [Play video: Mountain Goat](https://www.snappit.app/videos/mountain-goat) - [YouTube](https://youtube.com/watch?v=M87O3ajEeUg) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Mountain Goat: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mountain-goat)