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(Oreamnos americanus) Since first observed, naturalists disagreed on what exactly the mountain goat was. Explorer Alexander Mackenzie believed it was some kind of white buffalo, while Lewis & Clark's crew concluded that it was some sort of sheep or bear. Actually, mountain goats are not true goats within the meaning of the term, but instead belong to a group known as Alpine Mountain Antelopes, whose closest relation is the chamois of Europe. The mountain goat is considered the most naturally skilled rock climber of all North American mammals and said to engage in a "steeplejack lifestyle." They have been seen moving easily along ledges that are barely wide enough to accommodate their size. Without the slightest of hesitation, they will leap from ledge to ledge across deep alpine chasms. Some have even witnessed mountain goats in virtual freefalls, descending steep two-sided rock chutes by |
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bouncing back and forth,
from wall to wall, to break their speed. Mountain goats have black, curved horns with basal annulations and sharp shiny tips, a creamy white pelage, and black lips, nostrils and hooves. The average length and weight for a male mountain goat is 5.1 to 6.7 feet in length and 143 to 249 pounds. The female of the species will be anywhere from 3.9 to 5.2 feet in length, and 100 to 212 pounds. Their legs are muscular and short, with hooves designed by nature to take the impact and stress placed upon them by their rocky habitat, but which still provide good traction. The two-toed hoof has a stiff outer rim that is |
comparable to tough tire
rubber, with a central flexible pad that in effect forms a non-skid
suction cup for traction. The animal's dew claws also provide
grip when moving down or against a steep rocky surface. The
pelage of the mountain goat consists of a heavy, shaggy coat, which
can protect the animal from the fiercest winter storms.
Underneath is a fleecy underwear, three to four inches deep, that is
comparable with the finest merino and cashmere wools.
Mountain goats will reach maturity in two to three years, and have an
average life expectancy of twelve years in the wild, although males as
old as fourteen years and females as old as eighteen years have been
found. As a rule, they are more solitary and far less social
than bighorn sheep. Generally, they are not violent, but will
vigorously defend their feeding grounds in times of food shor- Mountain goats are partial grazers and partial browsers. They will feed on various high mountain and alpine grasses, mosses, and lichens, as well as various woody plants and herbs. The preferred habitat for these animals are the rugged mountains with steep slopes, and steep grassy slopes at the base of cliffs in alpine tundra, or sub alpine areas with low temperatures and heavy snowfall. |
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Mountain goats are commonly preyed upon by mountain lions, wolves,
eagles, grizzlies, black bears and wolverines. Because of
this, they have adapted them- selves to life in steep, rocky ter- rains where most predators would be unable to reach them. As a result, predators don't take a major toll on mountain goat populations. Instead, the major causes of death are from falls or winter avalanches. In fact, because their sense of hearing is so poor, they literally cannot hear an oncoming rockslide or avalanche until it is too late. Avalanches have been seen to engulf an entire herd before they heard it coming. Hunting in the alpine areas of Luxor Creek Outfitters, particularly for mountain goats and bighorns, can be physically demanding. Therefore, it is recommended that clients are prepared to work hard and do quite a bit of climbing. The reward of the trophy and the sense of accomplishment, as well as the incredible vistas and scenery are worth every minute of the climb. |