"Winter is the harshest time of year for mountain-dwelling ungulates. Deep snow and freezing temperatures make finding food a constant challenge. When the weather gets too severe, mountain goats may descend from their cliffs and spend time on more level ground, though even then, they tend to remain above the treeline.

Though the winter may be ruthless, mountain goats are used to inhospitable living conditions. Their thick pelage (coats) helps to insulate them from Glacier's extreme cold and brutal winds. By late November the long, coarse guard hairs and underlying dense fur of their shaggy winter coats have filled in completely and will prevent snow and moisture from seeping down to their skin.

Wind-blown slopes offer easier access to exposed grasses. When the snow is deep, goats kick it aside, digging down to the ground to graze. When it is altogether too deep, they may shift their attention to browsing on the twigs and needles of spruce and alpine fir. Fat reserves provide a cushion in the lean months, but starvation, particularly of kids, is still a common cause of death by late winter. Goats are also more vulnerable to predators in this hunger-weakened state.

-from page 61, "Winter"