Study Shows Avalanches Are a Major Threat to Mountain Goat Populations

Mountain goats are known for their daredevil nature, scaling steep rocky cliffs from a young age. Nannies guide their offspring to treacherous terrains to evade predators, but this sanctuary comes with its own dangers: avalanches. The impact of avalanches on mountain goats has long been a mystery, with questions surrounding whether they instinctively avoid avalanche-prone areas.

Avalanche Impact Study

A recent study, published in the journal Communications Biology, sheds light on this matter. The research, spanning almost two decades in Alaska, reveals that avalanches are a significant threat, impacting the goat population. Kevin White, an ecologist at the University of Victoria and the University of Alaska Southeast, highlights the study's findings, stating that snow, previously considered a population driver, has a more profound impact than previously understood.

Challenges of Studying Mountain Goats

Studying mountain goats is challenging due to their inaccessible habitats. Eran Hood, a snow hydrologist at the University of Alaska Southeast, emphasizes the difficulty of conducting research in winter and under extreme conditions. This limitation has led to a bias towards studying the animals in summertime, overlooking the crucial impact of avalanches on their populations.