Mountain Goats are easily recognized by black horns that are present in both sexes. The horns may reach 6-11 inches and are very sharp. They curve back slightly. The Mountain Goat has a very short tail and very strong forelegs that allow it to jump very quickly. Males are usually larger than females and stand about 48 inches high, whereas females are not more than 36 inches high. The weight of a Mountain goat averages 101-225 pounds.
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Picture source:
Bob Ulrich's Community web site © 1998
Robert M. Ulrich
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Mountain Goats - Behavior
Mountain Goats are highly competitive and tend to defend their territory fiercely from smaller counterparts. As a rule, females are more aggressive than males and tend to win the fights for bedding spots, food resources, and salt licks. Much depends on the size and age of the animal. The largest Mountain Goat is likely to win.
Sometimes, a Mountain Goat prefers to avoid a run-in and has to take a low stretch pose to show it is not going to attack. Most run-ins are just showing dominance and status by displaying horns and strength. Generally, fights rarely end in deaths, yet this is also possible. For instance, a kid may be pushed off the cliff.
Mountain Goat dominance may go beyond its own population. Thus, some Mountain Goats tend to rule over submissive bighorn sheep. Their dominance and ability to protect their selves are indispensable when one comes to predators such as wolverines, wolves, lynx cats, and others. Females take care of the young and protect them furiously. Generally, Mountain Goats do not have any major predators above the timberline except the golden eagle that damages the species greatly especially during the birthing period.
Mountain Goats - General Information Links
American Mountain Goats - Description, range, and natural history of the Mountain Goat.
Animal Diversity Web - Mountain Goats - View a photograph of the shaggy Oreamnos americanus. Shares data on its natural habits.
BC Adventure - Mountain Goats - Gives a brief description of the large, white animal and details the size of its footprints.
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Picture source:
British Columbia travel information © 1995-2003
Interactive Broadcasting Corporation
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Breeds of Livestock: Mountain Goats - The Goat, along with sheep, were among the earliest domesticated animals.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Rocky Mountain Goats - Habitat, physical characteristics, adaptations, reproduction, and other information.
eNature: Mountain Goats - Description, similar species, breeding, and habitat of Mountain Goats.
Images of Colorado: Mountain Goats - pictures and comments.
Mountain Goat Background Information - Brief information on the species.
Mountain Goat Basics - General information on the species.
Mountain Goat Description - Details and a picture.
Mountain Goat Facts - Description, diet, and habitat information.
Mountain Goat Factsheet - Identifying Mountain Goats and other information.
Mountain Goat Habitat - Mountain Goats can be found in the Mountains of northwestern regions of North America, where they seem to cling and move around on the impossibly steep slopes.
Mountain Goat information - Habitat, description, behavior, and reproduction.
Mountain Goat Overview - General information on the species including habitat and life style.
Mountain Goat Profile - Characteristics, habitat, and distribution.
Managing Identified Wildlife: Mountain Goats - Measures that must be applied within a WHA approved for the species.
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Picture source:
Montana is for Kids © 2002
Travel Montana and The Information Technology Resource Center
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Mountain Goat Ranch - Home page of the Mountain Goat ranch.
Mountain Goat Tracks - Pictures of the tracks and habitat.
Mountain Goats - Adaptations, behavior, reproduction, diet, and habitat information.
Mountain Goats in Montana - Mountain Goats are right at home in the largest high-rises in Montana: large Mountain cliffs.
North American Mountain Goat - Information on range, habitat, diet, and fun facts.
North Cascades: Mountain Goats - Amongst the crags and ridges of this wilderness dwell supreme Mountaineers. Mountain Goats are superbly adapted to the harsh conditions of the North Cascades.
Oreamnos americanus - Description, habitat, diet, ecology, and reproduction of the Mountain Goat.
Rocky Mountain Goat - Breeding information, life style, and other facts on the species.
