In summer, diet consists of alpine and sub-alpine grasses, sedges, rushes and forbs. Mosses and lichens are important for coastal populations in winter but are less important for interior populations. Natural mineral licks provide calcium, manganese, phosphorous and sodium, particularly during the spring and early summer. Mountain goats are considered moderately gregarious. In summer, females and kids may congregate in groups of 20-30.
Adult males remain alone or gather together in small, loose aggregations.
Breeding occurs in November and females give birth to their young in approximately 7 months. Ideally, kidding occurs on protected ledges in steep, rocky escape terrain with food and water near-by. Mountain goats are not territorial. Winter Mountain goats generally avoid snow depths greater than 50 cm. In deep snow areas, they may have to winter in areas with 100 cm or more.