Life on the Rocks: A Portrait of the Mountain Goat

by Bruce L. Smith

The American mountain goat is one of the most elusive and least familiar species of hoofed mammals in North America. Confined to the remote and rugged mountains of the western United States and Canada, these extraordinary mountaineers are seldom seen or encountered. It's life and fortunes may be the least well-understood among the continent's large mammals. Life on the Rocks offers an intimate portrayal of this remarkable animal through the eyes and lens of field biologist and photographer Bruce Smith. More than 100 color photographs and accounts of Smith's personal experiences living in Montana's Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area accompany descriptions of the American mountain goat's natural history. Smith explores their treacherous habitat, which spans the perilous cliffs and crags of the Rocky, Cascade, and Coast mountain ranges. The physical and behavioral adaptations of these alpine athletes enable them to survive a host of dangers, including six-month-ling winters, scarce food sources, thunderous avalanches, social strife, and predators like wolves, bears, lions, wolverines, and eagles. Smith also details the challenges these animals face as their territory is threatened by expanding motorized access, industrial activities, and a warming climate. Life on the Rocks showcases the elegance and charm of this little-known creature dwelling in some of North America's most remote, unforgiving, and spectacular wildlands.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Animals

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2014

About the author

Bruce Smith is a wildlife biologist who holds a PhD degree in Zoology. During his career with the federal government, he studied and managed most large mammal species that roam the western United States. He’s authored five nonfiction books of natural history, conservation, and outdoor adventure. Among them is Life on the Rocks: A Portrait of the Mountain Goat, which won the National Outdoor Book Award.

In his middle-grade novel series, Legend Keepers, Bruce draws upon his experiences and fascination with wild animals to stir the imaginations of young readers and immerse them in the natural world. Bruce and his wife Diana live in southwest Montana not far from mountain goats. Visit him at www.brucesmithwildlife.com

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing photographs of these charming, wondrous alpine athletes highlight this readable nonfiction book. This book is filled with detailed information about the American Mountain Goat. The author also provides interesting information on the terrain the goats inhabit and the other animals and birds that make their homes high in the sky. Chapters include challenges both local and global as well as how the author studied these animals in such remote areas.

[Kalena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I will admit that I am mildly obsessed with mountain goats so the fact that I found and devoured this book in one day will not surprise anyone who knows me. The pictures and details were fantastic--I recognized one of the pictures as a magnet on my fridge! I am actually hoping to get to see some in person this next week. Definitely recommend for those with an interest in these amazing animals!