s) populations in Alaska. High snowfall can result in substantially reduced survival of adult mountain goats. Since adult survival is the most important influencing population dynamics, severe winters can result in significant population declines. In the Lynn Canal area, detailed research has documented a 45% decline during a 5-year period dominated by several severe winters. Since mountain goats have relatively low reproductive rates, it often takes several years for populations to rebound once winter conditions moderate.
Harvest of female mountain goats represents another threat to mountain goat populations. In most places in Alaska females can be legally harvested through the practice is strongly discouraged. Harvest of females can be sustainable is low proportions are harvested but nonetheless reduced harvest opportunity for harvest of males. If female harvest rates are high, population declines can occur and has occurred in places such as the Kenai peninsula and Baranof island.
Timber harvest in low elevation, forested mountain goat winter range is relatively limited in Alaska. Nonetheless, the practice has occurred in the past and can effect mountain goat populations by reducing the amount of habitat available for mountain goats during the critical winter season.
Relative to other wildlife species, mountain goats are particularly sensitive to industrial disturbance activities such as helicopter overflights and blasting. In coastal Alaska, helicopter tourism (flight-seeing in summer, helicopter skiing in winter) is an increasingly popular activity and management agencies are particularly concerned about its effects of mountain goat populations. Industrial activities such as mining, road construction and hydroelectric development also have the potential to have detrimental effects on mountain goat populations.
Up to 385 pounds.
Throughout Southeast Alaska, along coastal mountains and into Southcentral.
Sedges, forbs, low-growing shrubs, blueberries, hemlock, and lichen.
Single kid is most common; twinning is rare.
Mountain goats are sure-footed climbers and have specially adapted hooves for climbing in rough, slippery terrain. Mountain goats are among the most charismatic species and inhabit one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth.
Did You Know?
- Mountain goats are confused with Dall sheep, but goats have black horns, and there are no Dall sheep in Southeast Alaska. Mountain goats are more tolerant of the wetter coastal climates than Dall sheep.
- Most of the world’s mountain goats are found in Southeast Alaska and British Columbia.
Mountain goat viewing
Mountain goats are an iconic species of the northern mountains and represent a highly sought after wildlife viewing experience of local residents and visitors to the state of Alaska. Often seen in dramatic mountain landscapes, the species is very photogenic and captivating. While it might seem that watching mountain goats requires strenuous journeys deep into the remote backcountry, this is not necessarily the case. For example, in Alaska’s capital city of Juneau mountain goats can been seen with binoculars or spotting scopes from the downtown cruise ship dock — how many other capital cities can afford wildlife enthusiasts a comparably exhilarating experience?
Mountain goats are particularly interesting animals to watch. They are highly social (especially females) and form “nursery groups” comprised on adults, sub-adults and kids in summer. Sometimes such groups can number 40–50 animals (though typically 8–12) and often feature very entertaining bouts of playful behavior among kids. Mountain goats are also master climbers and can be observed navigating breathtakingly steep and rugged terrain with impressive gymnastic ability.
There are many excellent places to watch mountain goats near most coastal Alaskan communities. Some of the more popular places include:
- Juneau: Mt Juneau (from downtown or Gold Ck. Trail), Mendenhall Glacier
- Ketchikan: Deer Mountain trail
- Haines: Chilkoot Lake, Mt. Ripinsky Trail, Haines Highway
- Sitka: Blue Lake
- Tracy Arm: Saw