Image courtesy of Pxhere
How to Distinguish Between Male and Female Rocky Mountain Goats
Male Mountain Goats:
Male Mountain Goats, also known as billies, can be easily distinguished by their large size and the presence of horns. They have a shaggy appearance and a long, shaggy beards. Billies have large, curling horns that can grow up to 10 inches in length. The horns are an important tool for male mountain goats, as they use them to defend their territory and to establish dominance among other males.
Image courtesy of Stockvault
Female Mountain Goats:
Female Mountain Goats, also known as nannies, are slightly smaller than the males and do not have horns. Nannies have a more slender appearance and a more refined look, with a sleek and smooth coat. They also have short beards, which are much less pronounced than the billies. Nannies have a distinct, reddish-brown coloration on their hindquarters, which is absent in males.
Young Mountain Goats:
It is important to note that young mountain goats, known as kids, resemble their mothers in appearance and do not have horns. Juvenile billies will start to grow horns after their first year, but it can take up to three years for their horns to fully develop.
Image courtesy of Flickr
In conclusion, if you come across a Rocky Mountain Goat in the wild, you can easily distinguish between the males and females by their size, horns, and coat. By understanding the unique characteristics of these animals, you can appreciate and enjoy observing them in their natural habitat.
1 comment
Biologist here, letting you know this information is absolutely incorrect. Female mountain goats do have horns- they are typically more slender with a curve toward the tip, whereas the horns of males have wider bases and a gradual curve. The bottom photo is of a nanny and kid, showing the curved tip very well.