Mountain goat Facts
The mountain goat is a cloven-hoofed mammal of western North America's high, rugged mountains, a sure-footed climber of cliffs and icy ledges.
- Class
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Oreamnos americanus
- Conservation status
- Least concern (IUCN)
About the mountain goat
Also called the Rocky Mountain goat, this animal lives from subalpine slopes up into the alpine zone. It is often spotted on sheer rock faces and nearly vertical cliffs. Staying high is its main defense against predators such as pumas, wolves and black and brown bears, so it usually comes down to lower ground only when food runs short or the weather turns especially bad.
Here is the surprise: despite the name, it is not a true goat. True goats belong to the genus Capra, which includes the wild ancestor of the domestic goat. The mountain goat shares the subfamily Caprinae with them but sits closer to the goat-antelopes, such as the European chamois, the gorals, the takins and the serows of Japan and eastern South Asia.
Did you know?
- The mountain goat's scientific name is Oreamnos americanus.
- The IUCN lists the mountain goat as Least Concern.
- High elevation is the mountain goat's main protection from predators.
Questions about the mountain goat
Is a mountain goat a real goat?
No. It is not in Capra, the true goat genus, and is closer to goat-antelopes like the chamois.
Where do mountain goats live?
In remote, rugged mountains of western North America, from subalpine to alpine elevations.
Sources
- Wikidata Q242602, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Mountain goat, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.