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Mountain Goat
Mountain Goats (Oreamnos americanus) are only
occasionally seen in the high mountain peaks in Yellowstone National
Park. Mountain goats have brawny frames. They are
sure-footed, with long, yellowish white fur and black spiked horns.
Males stand about 3-1/2 feet high and weigh between 120 and 250 pounds,
while the females, which also have horns, are slightly smaller.
Mountain goats are comfortable on steep, rocky ledges and mountain
peaks, because their hooves are adapted for climbing and maneuvering in
such places. During the past thirty years, one to fifteen goats
have been reported at least seventeen times in the park, and on five
occasions near the park. Of the seventeen in-park observations,
six were in the northwest corner and eleven were in the northeast corner
of the park.
 Where To Find Them
In Yellowstone National Park, seeing a mountain goat is a rare event.
The northeast corner of the park, on the cliffs flanking Baronnette Peak
(north of the highway) and Abiather Peak (south of the highway) provide
the best opportunities. If you see a goat, write down the location
and report it to a park ranger.
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