Goats of the Mountains
The Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) is a large-hoofed mammal found only in mountainous areas of western North America. Mountain Goats are not true goats but are closely related; Mountain Goats and true goats both belong to the same sub-family Caprinae (goat-antelopes). Mountain goats are very agile animals and typically live in the rugged terrain of mountain sides were they have few predators. Mountain Goats forage in small alpine meadows that are inaccessible to most other large animals. They feed on grasses, sedges, lichens, and small leafy shrubs. Mountain Goats commonly seen at higher elevations around the Jackson Hole area are non-native to Wyoming. They were introduced to Wyoming and with six other States. The native range of the animals is from northern Washington, Idaho and Montana through British Columbia and Alberta, and into the southern Yukon.
Nannies (female goats) live in herds with their kids (young goats). The herds can be as large as 20 animals. Billies (Male goats) live by themselves or with one or two other males. Both sexes have long pointed horns. The males have longer and more curved horns than the females. The males sometimes use their horns to spar with other males over potential mates. The number of rings on their horns can determine the age of the goats. In the winter, their heavy wool coats help them to withstand extreme temperatures, as low as −50 °F and winds of up to 100 mph. Mature mountain goats weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds and stand about 36 to 48 inches tall.
Mountain Goats can sometimes be seen from the Snake River Canyon and are most commonly viewed in the Alpine Junction area.
Mad River is a river outfitter based in Jackson WY. Our experienced guides are trained and will keep you safe while showing you a great time during one of our many scenic floats or exhilarating white water rafting trip packages.
