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The mountain goat shows climbing abilities that leave other animals, including most humans, far below. Inhabiting many of North America’s most spectacular mountainous environments, these beasts live at elevations of up to 4,000 meters.

The crazy but beautiful Mountain goat

Mountain goats, actually not true goats but close relatives, climb the very steep and rocky slopes to feed on any grass, shrub or tree they can find. Although they are very powerful, they are agile at the same time, being able to jump more than 4 meters. Nevertheless, one of the main causes of death of these mountain dwellers are falling accidents.

Both males and females have distinctive beards and a characteristic white double coat, which protects them from freezing temperatures and fierce winds. Although female goats live mostly in groups, males (also know as billies) are more solitary.

A mountain goat hanging on to an almost vertical wall. Photograph: Wildphotons

Fascinating but crazy

A group of goats on a cliff wall. Photograph: Elckholt

A mountain goat relaxing on a cliff wall

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Written by Jolle Jolles

Jolle Jolles is a zoologist working at the University of Cambridge with a love for natural history and animal behaviour and enjoys fascinating others about our weird and wonderful natural world. Follow Jolle on Twitter or sent him a personal message.

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