During the summer mountain goats are very conspicuous as they stand out against the rocky terrain, but during the winter they blend in with the snow and are nearly invisible. Mountain goats choose to spend most of their lime above timberline near rocky outcrops, where they can withdraw to safety in case of danger. When the snow is deep, however, mountain goats will head for the relatively balmy environment of lower elevations. Whether they are regarded as monsters lying in wait or cute, bumbling teddies, bears are often misunderstood. Maybe we are so fascinated with bears because they have so much in common with us.
Black bears are fairly common in the North Cascades, but grizzlies are much rarer.
The two species are different in some ways, but they also share some traits. Both are omnivorous like people, they eat everything. A recent study determined that ten percent of the scat material from 120 North Cascades bears was animal parts, mostly ants. Bears also eat foods left out by people, including camping supplies, horses' oats and dog food. And what we see as garbage, bears see as an easy meal.