Goats to the “Salt Lick”

The Rocky Mountain goat, is a large-hoofed mammal found only in North America. It stays at high elevations and is a sure-footed climber, often resting on rocky cliffs that predators cannot access. Rarely seen at road level but if you plan your trip through the Rockies at the right time, there are places where they come roadside to lap up the road salt left over from the winter.

Both male and female mountain goats have beards, short tails, and long black horns.
Photo by J.Borno

They are protected from the elements by their woolly white double coats, the first undercoat is down and the second, is course guard hair which are hollow and protect the down.
Photo by J.Borno

Mountain goats are the largest mammals found in their high-altitude habitats, which reach elevations of 13,000 feet or more. This why if you see one on the road you are lucky! Take a snap!
Photo by J.Borno

In the wild, mountain goats usually live twelve to fifteen years, with their lifespan limited by the wearing down of their teeth. In zoos, however, they can live for sixteen to twenty years.