Mountain Animals

Animals live in many different places. Some live in high places and some live in low places with a variety of terrain. Animals that live high on the mountaintop have learned to adapt in order to survive the harsh weather conditions. Temperatures in the high mountains can get very cold and the terrain is rugged with sparse plants and trees.

Many mountain animals have thick, furry coats and extra layers of fat to keep them warm. During the cold winter months, many of these animals hibernate. Hibernation is when the body temperature drops, the heartbeat slows down, and the body’s fat reserves are slowly used up. Due to the low oxygen levels, many of these animals have larger hearts and lungs.

Animals that live in the mountaintops also have very thin blood. This allows them to breathe the thin mountain air and to breathe at very high altitudes.

Examples of high mountain dwellers are the llama and the vicuna found in the mountains of South America. Yaks use their long fur coat to keep them warm in the Himalayan Mountains. Cougars and bobcats can be found in the mountains of North America. Goats are quick-footed animals able to handle the rugged mountainous terrain. Scientists have found over 200 different types of animals that make their homes in the mountains.