Mountain GoatThe mountain goat, also known as, the Rocky Mountain goat, inhabits the rocky mountains

Mountain Goat

The mountain goat, also known as, the Rocky Mountain goat, inhabits the rocky mountains in North America through British Columbia, and into southern Alaska. Mountain Goats are related to captive goats, however, are more closely related to the antelope.

Both male and female mountain goats have black horns and a beard, however, male mountain goats, called billies, have longer beards and horns than female mountain goats, called nannies. During mating season, between October and December, billies will stare at the nannies for long periods of time and fight for them. Females will mate with more than one male, and once breeding season is over, males and females separate.

Mountain Goats grow a long second layer of wool during the winter and during spring it sheds.  Mountain goats usually live between 12-15 years. However, when captive in zoos, they can 16-20 years. 

The mountain goats are rated least concerned in conservation. Their biggest predators are cougars. However, other predators include, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, and bears. The attack of a mountain goat is known as a “frolick” and they use this attack toward big-horn sheep who they share territory with to show dominance.

Photo by: Yellowstone National Park via Flickr