How Can Mountain Goats Stand On Steep Surfaces?
Do mountain goats have a unique sense of balance or other advantage that enable them to stand firm on almost vertical mountain slopes?
Throughout the mountainous regions of the world, you will find a long series of mammals that specialize in surviving on steep rock surfaces and mountain sides. Mountain goats, alpine ibexes, and chamois can easily jump and climb almost vertical rock surfaces. Their most important climbing tools are their feet with very hard hooves, allowing them to be supported by slight surface irregularities. Moreover, the animals do not get dizzy nor fear heights, and they have an exceptional sense of balance. In addition, they have relatively short, compact bodies, enabling them to easily turn round on narrow rock ledges. However, the animals do fail, losing their footing and falling down. Studies have shown that several adult animals have healed bone fractures, indicating that they have fallen, but survived.