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Mountain Goat
{Oreamnos americanus}:
Above photo from Outdoor Life utilized respectfully in accordance with Fair Use.
About Mountain Goats:
Despite its name, the mountain goat is actually a member of the antelope family.
Known for their agility, mountain goats are most often seen scaling steep, rocky ledges. This extreme alpine environment provides them with adequate protection from predators. Strong muscular forequarters and pliable hooves with soft rubbery pads help them maintain traction on craggy rock surfaces and survive in harsh conditions.
Distribution Map:
Above map from “Wild Sheep and Goats and their Relatives” by the IUCN/SSC Caprinae Specialist Group utilized respectfully in accordance with Fair Use.
Mountain goats are active both during the day and night, but take time to rest under overhanging cliffs. They mostly live in herds and move around according to season. In the summer, smaller groups will travel to salt licks. Females, called nannies, spend most of the year in herds with their kids, while males either live alone or with 2 – 3 other males. Nannies can be protective of their territory and food, and so will fight other nannies in their herds. During mating season, males will fight each other using their horns for the right to mate with females.
Mating Season: November and December.
Gestation: 150-180 days.
Litter size: Typically one kid; twins rarely.
At birth, the kid weighs around 6 lbs and are able to move along the rocks with its mother within a day or so after.
Height: Males up to 3.5 feet; females are smaller.
Length: Males up to 5.5 feet; females are smaller.
Weight: 100-300 pounds; females are lighter.
Lifespan: 12-15 years [1]
References:
[1]: Shackleton, D. M. and the IUCN/SSC Caprinae Specialist Group. 1997. “Wild Sheep and Goats and their Relatives.” Status Survey and Action Plan for Caprinae. IUCN: Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: www.ultimateungulate.com/Artiodactyla/Oreamnos_americanus.html
[2]: Defenders of Wildlife, “Threats to Mountain Goats”: http://www.defenders.org/mountain-goat/threats
[3]: Yukon Department of Environment, “Mountain Goat”: www.env.gov.yk.ca/animals-habitat/mammals/goat.php#people
[4]: Northwestern Naturalist, “EFFECTS OF MOUNTAIN GOAT HARVEST ON HISTORIC AND CONTEMPORARY POPULATIONS” by CLIFFORD G RICE (Wildlife Program, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) and DON GAY (Mt. Baker Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest): www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5189461.pdf
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