Snow goats live in places with a harsh climate. In winter the temperature drops to -40 and the wind speed exceeds 40 m/s, while gusts of 30 m/s are considered dangerous.
The ungulates are used to such conditions. Nature has gifted them with two layers of wool, which perfectly protect them from weather surprises. The outer layer of wool protects from wind, it is thick and coarse. The inner undercoat is very soft, it is responsible for keeping the warmth. The fauna in the range of snow goats is not rich, but allows them to fatten up to 80 to 100 kg.
To get food, goats have to twist and turn. In particular, they are able to climb mountains with a slope of 60 degrees. The animal’s bifurcated hooves help it cling to the surface. Tensing the muscles, the animal is able to change the shape of the foot, covering with it ledges that a person may simply not notice.
The shoulder and pelvic muscles are also well developed, much better than those of leading athletes. A goat can stand for several hours in a posture that even outwardly looks uncomfortable, but without feeling any discomfort. Being on a diet of grass and moss, the animal can give a head start to athletes who don’t leave the gym 24 hours a day.
The way a goat moves over rocky terrain is incomparable to that of a human. On vertical ledges the animal moves with seeming ease and even grace, without losing balance for a second. Making a leap, goats press their legs to the body, this reduces oscillations and allows them to land exactly at the intended point. The accuracy of the jump exceeds even that of cats.
