The mountain goat is a sure-footed, shaggy white mammal of the high peaks of northwestern North America. It lives on cliffs so steep that few predators can follow.
Interesting facts
- Despite its name, it is not a true goat but a relative of chamois and other goat-antelopes.
- Both sexes have short, black, dagger-like horns.
- Its thick white coat has a woolly undercoat that keeps it warm in winter storms.
- Mountain goats crave salt and may lick sweat and urine left by hikers.
- Kids can climb and jump within hours of birth.
- Mountain goats introduced to Olympic National Park were relocated from 2018 to protect native plants.
Behaviour
Mountain goats live in small groups of females and young, while adult males are mostly solitary. They move up and down the mountains with the seasons.
Breeding and young
After about six months, nannies give birth to one kid, occasionally two, on a steep ledge. Kids stay with their mothers for about a year.
Threats and conservation
Climate change affecting alpine habitats, disturbance from helicopters and hikers, hunting and disease from domestic animals.
Where to see it
- Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana
- Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Jasper National Park, Alberta
- Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans), Colorado (introduced population)
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Banff and Jasper Wildlife Guide
