Mountain Goat Habitat

Closely related to the antelope, the mountain goat is found only in North America. It is an animal that is able to live in harsh environments because of its thick coat and an agile ability to move around in mountainous terrain. Both sexes of the mountain goat have horns, and the animal's stunning white coat is probably its most notable feature.

  1. Places

    • The natural habitat for the mountain goat stretches from the northwest United States to Alaska, and this animal can be seen in Montana, Idaho and Washington. Mountain goat populations have also been introduced into several other U.S. states. In Canada, they are resident in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon. They are a grazing animal and eat a diverse range of food, including twigs, so they are able to adapt and survive in many environments. The mountain goat sheds its coat during the summer.

    Mountainous Homes

    • Mountainous areas that are populated by the mountain goat are the Rocky Mountains, the Chugach Mountains and the Cascade Range. There is one major reason why the mountain goat can live in such precarious surroundings. The goat's cloven hooves have two toes that are splayed, which helps the balance of these animals considerably. The mountain goat is reputed to be the most adept animal at climbing rocks of all the wild animals in North America.

    Altitude

    • Comfortable in an alpine environment, the mountain goat can live as high as 13,000 feet. The mountain goat can also live at sea level, and will move to lower elevations when food needs dictate. Mountain goats migrate, living at a lower level in the winter, and moving higher in the summer when they are more at risk from predators. One motivation for the mountain goat to move is its need to find salt, which is an important source of nutrition for the animal.

    Male and Female

    • A male (billy) mountain goat normally lives either on its own or with a small group of other males. A female (nanny) lives with a group of other adult females that will include babies (kids) and immature mountain goats. The pregnant nanny goes away to find a safe place to give birth, and uses its skills as a climber to access a cliff, so as to be protected from predators.