Mountain goats rule the rugged mountains of Western North America. They occur no where else in the world, and are a unique species, more closely related to serows and chamois from Eurasia than to domestic goats. Mountain goats inhabit subalpine and alpine environments and can often be seen traversing near vertical cliffs. Their hooves are split into two toes, which spread out when needed and together with their soft, flexible inner pads allow them to grip rocky ledges and cliffs. Unlike other animals of high elevations which either hibernate or migrate to lower, less harsh environments in winter, mountain goats stay on snow blown peaks feeding on lichens and small shrubs.
Mountain goats are a keystone species in alpine ecosystems, playing a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of these environments. Currently, mountain goat populations are stable. But as climate changes, mountain goats are threatened by increased heat stress, reduced snowpack causing increased competition for food with other species, and increased vulnerability to predation.
