Mountain Goat - Sierra Club BC
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Mountain Goat

CAN BE FOUND IN:

Mountain Goat

Oreamnos americanus 

Appearance

Mountain goats have a beautiful long, thick white coat which is contrasted by their jet black horns that jut out at the top of their head. They range in size, but on average they are about the size of a cow calf. 

Range & habitat

Mountain goats can be found in every mountain range from Alaska, throughout B.C., and as far south as Washington. These goats are mostly found at high elevations in steep, cliff-dominated landscapes.

reciprocal relationships

Mountain goats are a critical species for alpine and high-altitude ecosystems. Mountain goats have the incredible ability to stand on an area the size of a Canadian quarter. Most of their diet consists of grass, wildflowers, and some lichens that grow on ledges. They have also been known to eat needles and twigs when grasses are scarce. Mountain goat grazing helps to maintain balance in alpine ecosystems, as not many other grazers can reach this region.  

Most adult male goats, called ‘billies’ are solitary, whereas the females (nannies) and young (kids) stick close together. Billies coat themselves in dust while ploughing down vegetation with their horns, which have special scent glands at their base, to attract females. 

Mountain goats are an important species for the Kitasoo Xai'xais Nation. The mountain goat is a part of their diet, stories, songs, dances and trade. They have watched the slow decline in this species population across the last 20 years, and have even paused hunting to help the population.  

status

COSEWIC: Not Reported 
CDC: Blue 

more information

If you belong to a First Nation with a story or piece of information not represented here and you would like to share more about this species, please email us at education@sierraclub.bc.ca

photo credit

Canva

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