Meet Gus and Gertie
Alpine Adaptations
Mountain goats live at elevations few other animals can inhabit, meaning they have few natural predators. Their main predator is the golden eagle, who will fly in to snatch baby mountain goats off of steep ledges. They have cloven hooves with two toes that spread wide to improve balance and rough pads on the bottom of each toe that help provide grip. Mountain goats are not true goats; they are more accurately described as a goat-antelope.
Did you know?
Male goats are called “billies”, female goats are called “nannies”, and baby goats are called “kids”.
Common Name Mountain Goat
Scientific Name Oreamnos americanus
Type Mammal
Status Least Concern
Diet Herbivore
Geographic Range Native to southeastern Alaska, Washington, western Montana and central Idaho. Have been introduced to parts of South Dakota, and Colorado
Life Span 12 - 15 years
Offspring 1 to 3 Kids
