The phrase “mountain goats” sounds unusual at first. In our imagination, a goat is more of a village dweller with hooves and a beard, running around our grandmother’s yard. Therefore, seeing these animals not only in the mountains but also on a dam is truly astonishing!
Yes, it was on the steep wall of the Diga del Cingino dam that these fearless climbers were spotted several years ago. The goats, who confidently navigate vertical surfaces, have quickly become a local landmark.
Goats on the Dam
Goats on the Dam
The sheer wall of the Diga del Cingino dam
Goats walking along the dam wall
Mountain goats on the dam
Goats on the dam wall
The unusual sight was first noticed by Italian woman Federica Grassi. During a trip to Piedmont, her attention was drawn to the local dam: right on the almost vertical wall, 49 meters high and with a slope of almost 90 degrees, a herd of goats walked quite calmly.
For locals, the sight of a herd of goats roaming freely on the steep wall of the dam is no longer a novelty. These animals can climb up to 4 kilometers in the mountains, so a 49-meter wall is nothing to them. But the question remains: why do they choose the dam instead of the usual rocks?
Animals on the Dam
Goats walking on the dam
Goats walking on the dam
Dam and mountain goats
It’s simple – minerals are released on the wall, which serve as a nutrient for the goats. They lick the salt crystals that form on the dam.
Minerals on the dam
Dam with minerals
What is the secret of mountain goats? How can they run so easily on steep rocks and even on the walls of a dam? In fact, it’s quite simple: it’s all about the structure of their hooves. They are narrow and split, with a soft, elastic pad between the “fingers” that allows them to grip onto even the slightest bumps and irregularities. The hard edges of their hooves act as hooks, digging into the rock and providing a secure hold.
This unique anatomy allows mountain goats to navigate through areas that would be impossible for humans. The dams also attract them because the concrete contains minerals and salts that the animals lick to replenish their diet.
The shape of the ibex’s hooves
Mountain goat
Mountain goats’ balance
By the way, that’s not all. Mountain goats amaze not only with their ability to climb sheer cliffs, but also with their real acrobatic tricks. In the southeastern part of Morocco, they have long been fond of argan trees. These animals easily climb to the very top, balancing on thin branches, and they eagerly devour the leaves and fruits.
The locals are used to this sight, but tourists are often amazed by the sight of dozens of goats perched on a single tree, resembling a living Christmas tree. The reason for this is simple: argan trees produce fruits that are rich in oils and nutrients, which are essential for animals in arid climates.
Goats on a tree
Goats on top of a tree
Would you like to have a goat as a pet?
