The mountain goat is a hoofed mammal native to the rugged mountain ranges of northwestern North America, not a true goat but a distinct species most closely related to antelope-like mammals of the same family, recognized by its shaggy white coat, short black horns present in both sexes, and remarkably specialized cloven hooves with rough, traction-gripping pads suited to climbing near-vertical rock faces. It lives at some of the highest and steepest terrain occupied by any large North American mammal, using inaccessible cliffs as protection from predators, and it feeds on grasses, herbs, shrubs and moss found in these alpine and subalpine environments. Mountain goats are generally solitary or found in small groups, and the species remains stable across its range and is classified as being of least concern.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceBoth male and female mountain goats have beards, short tails, and long black horns, 15-28 cm (5.9-11 in) in length, which contain yearly growth rings. They are protected from the elements by their woolly greyish white double coats. 1 Comparison
NatureServe Rank CITES Appendix Scientific Name Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Biome
Source Encyclopaedia Britannica
In Ecosystem
Source Wikidata: Mountain Goat
Additional Source Yellowstone National Park (Wikipedia)Article text
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Mountain Goat (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead sentence, scientific name in parentheses
The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), also known as the Rocky Mountain goat, is a cloven-footed mammal that is endemic to the remote and rugged mountainous areas of western North America.
Description section, physical appearance sentences
Both male and female mountain goats have beards, short tails, and long black horns, 15-28 cm (5.9-11 in) in length, which contain yearly growth rings. They are protected from the elements by their woolly greyish white double coats.
View the Source 2. EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014)
3. Wikipedia: Mountain goat
system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), also known as the Rocky Mountain goat, is a cloven-footed mammal that is endemic to the remote and rugged mountainous areas of western North America.
Infobox: status
LC
View the Source4. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Oreamnos americanus (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyConservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive (hunted-fished)
Mountain goat hunting is very challenging due to the habitat the goats inhabit.
View the Source 5. Mountain Goat (Wikidata)
WikidataStatements section, conservation status (P141)Quote, Statements section, conservation status (P141)
IUCN Red List conservation status (Wikidata property P141): least concern.
6. NatureServe Explorer: Oreamnos americanus
NatureServe ExplorerGlobal rank (roundedGRank)Quote, Global rank (roundedGRank)
"roundedGRank": "G5"
Wikidata: Mountain Goat
Wikidata Q242602, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)View the Source Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.In Biome: Montane Grasslands and ShrublandsView the Source Catalogue of Life
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of LifeChild Taxon Of: ArtiodactylaView the Source Yellowstone National Park (Wikipedia)
In Ecosystem: Yellowstone, Article textQuote, In Ecosystem: Yellowstone, Article text
Other large mammals include the bison (often referred to as buffalo), elk, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, mountain goat, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep.
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