Mountain Goat

mountain climber · western north america · extreme habitat · predator defense

Lives on cliffs. Mountain goats make their homes on sheer rock faces and nearly vertical cliffs in the high mountains of western North America, where few other animals can survive.

Special sticky hooves. Their cloven hooves have special pads that grip rock like tiny suction cups, letting them climb steep slopes that would be impossible for other animals.

High-altitude home. They live so high up in the mountains, where it's cold and icy, that bears, pumas, and wolves can't easily reach them, keeping them safe from predators.

Food-driven travelers. Most of the time mountain goats stay at high elevations, but during winter or when food is scarce, they'll venture down to lower areas to find vegetation.