On the Rutting Behavior of the Mountain Goat

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Abstract
Mountain goats were observed during two rutting seasons. The manifestations of the rut, the agonistic and the courtship behavior are described and interpreted. It is shown that goats have evolved intense threat displays and have reduced fighting to a minimum. Fights are disadvantageous as examinations of wounded males and observations on a wounded male during the rut revealed. Males court females carefully until the agonistic tendencies of the females are depressed. The differences in agonistic behavior of the sexes lead to a social structure in which large, adult males are subdominant to females and yearlings. It was found that the courtship behavior is the antithesis of the males' present threat. Marking behavior may function as an olfactory intimidation mechanism. The significance of the goats' coat pattern is discussed.