Rocky Mountian Goat in Jasper & Banff National Park Canada

Sometimes it looks like a goat and occasionally acts as one, but the mountain goat is really an antelope. Its forefathers came from Asia and Europe, they crossed the Bering Strait and discovered America by way of Alaska. Over the course of millions of years this goat evolved into an excellent mountaineer.
On top of that, they have adapted to the tough, frozen winter climate. Their thick fur allows them to withstand the coldest of temperatures.
A couple of times a year, the mountain goats come down from the mountains to lick mineral-rich stones. It is believed that they do this to absorb those substances that allow them to grow their winter coat.
In summer, they moult and lose part of it. Mountain goats can usually be found on steep mountain sides, at high altitude.
The Mountain Goat (oreamnos americanus) is also known as the Rocky Mountain Goat.
The Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks Jasper, Banff, Kootenay and Yoho are a striking mountain landscape, that includes a full range of glaciation features and harbours the renowned Burgess Shale fossil site. Officially designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, this site is to be safeguarded for the future as a testimony to its enduring past.

This 28 minutes documentary is part of the tv-series WONDERS of WILDERNESS and is available on DVD (Dutch or English version) at WWW.FAUNAFILM.NL
The 12-part series colourfully introduces a dozen of the worlds most important national parks with their rich flora, fauna and awe-inspiring geological wonders. The series demonstrates the wisdom of the national park founders who made it possible to create safe havens for plant and animal life. They led the way in teaching us how vital it is to protect our soil, air and water from pollution both for ourselves and for future generations.

Visit WWW.STOCKSHOT.NL for highres version or broadcast video footage. More national parks & wildlife available!

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Pets & Animals

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