MAMMAL MONDAY # 39

MAMMAL MONDAY # 39

Grab your down coats and mountain climbing gear because we’re going a hike in the Alpine Mountains to meet a member of the goat family! So let’s go on another fabulous adventure!

MEET THE ALPINE IBEX!

   Range/Habitat: Europe-Alps/ mountains

   Diet: Herbivore: grasses, buds, shoots

   Length/Weight: 4- 5 ½ ft/ 77-130 lbs

   Conservation Status:

Fun Facts:

• Alpine Ibex live in high attitude habitats, up to 20,000 ft.
• They are members of the goat family.
• They have wooly beards.
• Alpine Ibex have large horns on their heads. Males can have horns up to 4 ½ ft and females have smaller ones.
• Female Alpine females have tan coats and males have rich brown coats with patches.
• Female Alpine females live in herds. The females and offspring live in groups, while the males live in male only herds.
• Alpine ibex males compete for females with head tosses and fights.

These amazing goats live in such a spectacular habitat! Can you imagine what it’s like to walk around with those big horns on your head? Now, who’s ready for some apple cider to warm up?