massive-mountain-goat-video-going-viral

This Massive Mountain Goat Video Is Going Viral

The video, an upload to Reddit with little information, shows an absolutely massive mountain goat making his way down a park street.

While no details accompany the footage, this gigantic beast may be a resident of Glacier National Park. Mountain goats thrive in Glacier above the tree line, and are a common sight for visitors. These “goats”, however, aren’t actually goats at all.

These mammals, Oreamnos americanus, are actually much more closely related to antelope and gazelles than they are goats. Regardless, the mountain “goat” has become a symbol of its territory. They were given their name by Lewis & Clark during the pair’s first harrowing documentation of America. Understandably, if it looks this much like a goat – it’s going to be called a goat!

Typically, mountain goat male and females stand around 3 feet tall at the shoulder. This strutting, muscular male, however, looks to be much closer to 4 feet tall – making him a truly impressive (and rare) sight.

First, the gargantuan goat looks the videographer over as he stops for a sniff. Once he decides the biking human is not a threat, he struts on his way down the park street.

Watch Massive Mountain Goat Strut:

Mountain goats are, by Glacier National park classification, “unpredictable”. Visitors should keep a 50ft distance from the animals at all time – as they have incredibly powerful legs and necks.

[H/T Reddit]