Predators other than man and wolves are few. Old age, disease or injury make the occasional goat prey for bears or food for other scavengers. The mountains themselves sometimes prey upon goats, too. Rock falls and avalanches take unsuspecting victims, though these animals in general are well adapted to the environment. Females may have one or two kids each spring.
Youngsters are ready to follow their mothers across the vertical landscape in just a few hours.
We seldom see them up close for long. Camping trips offer the best viewing opportunities. A well-placed tent acts almost like a blind, hiding the occupants from the wildlife. Come morning, an experienced camper will slowly and quietly unzip the tent door just to see what might have ventured near during the night. One rainy trip, weather kept us in our tent, sleeping and reading for hours.