Mountain Goat

The mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) is a stocky, white-clad ungulate adapted to steep alpine and subalpine terrain. Despite its name, it is not a true goat but a goat-antelope (Caprinae). In Banff National Park, goats inhabit cliffs, ledges, and avalanche chutes above treeline.

Identification: Dense white coat (yellowish in summer); short black horns (both sexes); beard on chin; humped shoulders. Hooves have rough pads and sharp edges for gripping rock. Often confused with bighorn sheep; goats are whiter, more compact, and prefer steeper terrain; sheep have curled horns (males) and tan-brown colour.

Habitat and diet: Goats favour cliffs, talus, and steep meadows. The sheer quartzite cliffs of the Big Beehive and surrounding Lake Agnes corridor provide refuge for mountain goats. In summer, graze alpine vegetation; in winter, descend to wind-scoured slopes and mineral licks. Salt-seeking behaviour draws them to roadsides; Parks Canada has installed wildlife fencing and designated viewing areas.

Behaviour: Sure-footed climbers; may traverse near-vertical rock. Typically seen in small groups. Aggressive during rut (November–December); mothers with kids (May–June) are protective.

Viewing: Prime locations include the Icefields Parkway (Parker Ridge, Sunwapta), Mount Norquay road, and mineral licks along the Bow Valley Parkway. Use binoculars; maintain 30 m distance. Never block goat travel routes.