The massive exertion required to move through deep snow and the lack of nutritious forage available means mountain goats spend winter in a form of managed starvation—just getting by until warmer weather arrives.
When goats flee our presence, not only do they lose precious calories, they almost always move into ‘escape terrain’—steep, rocky cliffs that are prone to avalanches. Avalanches are a major source of mortality for mountain goats. One study in Alaska found that avalanches were responsible for 23% to 65% of all mountain goat deaths.
Even if a mountain goat appears docile or unaffected by your activities, that doesn’t mean it’s not highly stressed. If the goat decides to stay put, it’s only because it has determined that being stressed is less dangerous than moving away.
A recent local study tested cortisol concentrations in shed goat hair and confirmed that goats in areas with higher human use were more stressed than those with little human disturbance. Chronic stress can reduce physical health, as well as the ability to reproduce and fight off disease.
As backcountry recreationalists, we can take small but meaningful actions to minimize stress on mountain goats and help protect them during this critical season.
1. Know Where Mountain Goats Are Most Likely to Appear
• In winter, goats can often be found on or near:
• Steep, snow-shedding or windswept slopes, where they look for forage.
• Ridgelines, always near escape terrain.
• Lower-elevation forested rocky outcrops on warm aspects, where snowpack is shallower.
2. If You See Tracks or Goats, Change Your Course
• If you see hooved tracks in high-altitude winter terrain, they are most likely from mountain goats. Change your route if it’s safe to do so and angle away from the direction the tracks lead.
• If you spot goats, back away and try to keep at least 500 metres between them and your group.
• Do not try to out-manoeuvre them by traversing above.
3. Respect Winter Closures
Alpine areas are closed during winter to protect mountain goats and other ungulates like caribou. There are currently several Ungulate Winter Range closures for mountain goats in the Elk VAlley region—check the Southern Rocky Mountain Management Plan regulations before heading out.
Mountain goats have evolved to survive harsh winters, but human disturbance adds unnecessary stress to their already fragile existence. By making small adjustments to our backcountry adventures, we can help ensure these iconic animals continue to thrive in Fernie’s alpine environment.
Respect the land, respect the wildlife, and enjoy the backcountry responsibly.
Together, we can help protect mountain goats this winter.
Images: Facebook
