26 Different Animals Found in the Mountains with Pictures and Facts

Imagine standing at the base of a towering mountain. What animals do you think live up there?

Mountains are home to some of the most incredible creatures on Earth.

These cool creatures have super-special tricks to survive where the air is thin, and the rocks are steep.

From furry climbers that can scale nearly vertical cliffs to birds that soar higher than airplanes, mountain animals are some of our planet’s toughest and most fascinating beings.

They brave icy winds, deep snow, and rocky terrain that would make most of us say, “No way!”

So, brace yourselves and set off on an adventure to discover these remarkable mountain dwellers.

1. Snow Leopard

Snow leopards are large cats native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.

They are known for their beautiful, thick fur, which is patterned with rosettes and spots.

Their powerful build and long tails help them navigate the steep and rugged terrain of their habitat.

Height	22 to 25 inches (56 to 63 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	60 to 120 pounds (27 to 55 kg)
Region of Habitat	Central and South Asia
Scientific Name	Panthera uncia
Place of Origin	Mountain ranges of Central and South Asia
Feeding Habits	Carnivorous
What Sound They Make	Roar, growl, hiss

Fun Facts:

Snow leopards have large nasal cavities that help them breathe in the thin, cold air of high altitudes.
They can leap up to 50 feet in one bound.
Snow leopards are solitary animals and have a large territory range.

2. Mountain Goat

Mountain goats are large, hoofed mammals known for their agility and sure-footedness on steep, rocky slopes.

They have thick white fur that helps them blend into their snowy surroundings and stay warm in cold climates.

Height	35 to 45 inches (89 to 114 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	100 to 300 pounds (45 to 136 kg)
Region of Habitat	North America
Scientific Name	Oreamnos americanus
Place of Origin	Rocky Mountains and other North American ranges
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Bleat

Fun Facts:

Mountain goats have specialized hooves with a rough pad that provides grip on rocky surfaces.
They are excellent climbers and can scale slopes over 60 degrees steep.
Both male and female mountain goats have beards and horns.

3. Andean Condor

The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 10 feet.

It has a black body with white feathers around its neck and large, powerful beaks suited for scavenging.

Height	33 to 51 inches (84 to 130 cm)
Weight	20 to 33 pounds (9 to 15 kg)
Region of Habitat	South America, particularly the Andes Mountains
Scientific Name	Vultur gryphus
Place of Origin	Andes Mountains
Feeding Habits	Scavenger primarily feeds on carrion
What Sound They Make	Hissing and grunting noises

Fun Facts:

Andean condors can live up to 70 years in captivity.
They have excellent eyesight that allows them to spot carrion from great distances.
Andean condors are considered a symbol of power and health in Andean cultures.

4. Himalayan Tahr

Himalayan tahrs are large ungulates that inhabit the mountainous regions of the Himalayas.

They have a stocky build, thick reddish-brown fur, and curved horns that are found in both males and females.

Height	26 to 40 inches (66 to 102 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	60 to 90 pounds (27 to 41 kg)
Region of Habitat	Himalayan Mountains
Scientific Name	Hemitragus jemlahicus
Place of Origin	Himalayas
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Bleat

Fun Facts:

Himalayan tahrs are excellent climbers and can navigate steep, rocky terrains with ease.
They are social animals, often found in groups called herds.
Males have longer, thicker fur than females, which helps them stay warm in high-altitude environments.

5. Alpine Marmot

Alpine marmots are large ground squirrels that live in the mountainous regions of Europe. They have thick fur, short legs, and a bushy tail. They are known for their whistling alarm calls.

Height	18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm)
Weight	10 to 18 pounds (4.5 to 8.2 kg)
Region of Habitat	European Alps
Scientific Name	Marmota marmota
Place of Origin	Alps
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Whistle

Fun Facts:

Alpine marmots hibernate for up to 8 months a year in burrows that they dig themselves.
They have a social structure and live in colonies with a dominant pair.
Marmots use their sharp claws to dig complex burrow systems.

6. Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep are well-known for their large, curved horns and their ability to climb steep mountain slopes. They have a muscular build and are native to North America.

Height	30 to 41 inches (76 to 104 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	100 to 300 pounds (45 to 136 kg)
Region of Habitat	North America
Scientific Name	Ovis canadensis
Place of Origin	Rocky Mountains and other North American ranges
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Bleat, snort

Fun Facts:

Male bighorn sheep, known as rams, use their horns to fight for dominance and mating rights.
Their hooves have a rough outer rim and a soft, concave inner pad that provides excellent traction.
Bighorn sheep can jump up to 20 feet in a single bound.

7. Ibex

Ibex are wild goats that inhabit mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are known for their impressive, backward-curving horns and their ability to climb steep, rocky terrains.

Height	27 to 43 inches (69 to 110 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	88 to 265 pounds (40 to 120 kg)
Region of Habitat	Europe, Asia, Africa
Scientific Name	Capra ibex
Place of Origin	European and Asian mountains
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Bleat

Fun Facts:

Ibex can climb almost vertical cliffs to escape predators.
Their horns can grow up to 3 feet long and are used in dominance displays and fights.
Ibex have a thick coat that protects them from cold mountain temperatures.

8. Pika

Pikas are small, herbivorous mammals found in the mountains of North America and Asia. They have short limbs, rounded ears, and no visible tail. They are known for their distinctive calls and for storing food for the winter.

Height	5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm)
Weight	4 to 6 ounces (115 to 170 g)
Region of Habitat	North America, Asia
Scientific Name	Ochotona
Place of Origin	Rocky mountains and high-altitude plains
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Squeak

Fun Facts:

Pikas do not hibernate; instead, they store food in caches to survive the winter.
They have a high-pitched alarm call to warn others of predators.
Pikas are related to rabbits and hares but are smaller and have a more rounded body shape.

9. Golden Eagle

Golden eagles are large birds of prey found in mountainous regions across the Northern Hemisphere. They have dark brown plumage with a golden sheen on the back of their heads and necks.

Height	28 to 40 inches (71 to 102 cm)
Weight	6 to 15 pounds (2.7 to 6.8 kg)
Region of Habitat	Northern Hemisphere
Scientific Name	Aquila chrysaetos
Place of Origin	Mountains of North America, Europe, and Asia
Feeding Habits	Carnivorous
What Sound They Make	Screech

Fun Facts:

Golden eagles have a wingspan of up to 7 feet, making them one of the largest raptors.
They are known for their powerful flight and can dive at speeds over 150 miles per hour.
Golden eagles build large nests, called eyries, on cliffs and high places.

10. Red Panda

Red pandas are small, tree-dwelling mammals native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They have reddish-brown fur, a long, bushy tail, and a waddling gait due to their short front legs.

Height	20 to 26 inches (51 to 66 cm)
Weight	8 to 14 pounds (3.6 to 6.3 kg)
Region of Habitat	Eastern Himalayas, Southwestern China
Scientific Name	Ailurus fulgens
Place of Origin	Eastern Himalayas
Feeding Habits	Omnivorous
What Sound They Make	Twittering, squealing

Fun Facts:

Red pandas use their long, bushy tails for balance and as a wraparound blanket in cold weather.
They are solitary animals, except during mating season.
Red pandas primarily eat bamboo but also consume fruits, acorns, and insects.

11. Chamois

Chamois are goat-antelope species found in the mountainous regions of Europe, including the Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians. They have short, hooked horns and a thick coat that changes color with the seasons.

Height	28 to 31 inches (70 to 80 cm)
Weight	55 to 130 pounds (25 to 59 kg)
Region of Habitat	Europe
Scientific Name	Rupicapra rupicapra
Place of Origin	European mountains
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Whistle, bleat

Fun Facts:

Chamois are excellent climbers and can navigate steep, rocky terrain with ease.
Their fur is darker in winter and lighter in summer.
Chamois have a keen sense of smell and can detect predators from a distance.

12. Yak

Yaks are large, long-haired bovids found in the Himalayas and other high-altitude regions of Central Asia. They are known for their thick fur, which helps them survive in cold climates, and their strong, sturdy build.

Height	5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) at the shoulder
Weight	600 to 1,200 pounds (272 to 545 kg)
Region of Habitat	Himalayas, Central Asia
Scientific Name	Bos grunniens
Place of Origin	Himalayas
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Grunting

Fun Facts:

Yaks have a dense, woolly undercoat that protects them from cold temperatures.
Humans use them for milk, meat, and as pack animals.
Wild yaks are much larger than domesticated yaks and are considered vulnerable.

13. Mountain Lion (Cougar)

Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are large, solitary cats native to the Americas. They have a tawny, unspotted coat and are known for their agility and strength.

Height	24 to 35 inches (61 to 89 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	64 to 220 pounds (29 to 100 kg)
Region of Habitat	Americas
Scientific Name	Puma concolor
Place of Origin	Americas
Feeding Habits	Carnivorous
What Sound They Make	Scream, growl, hiss

Fun Facts:

Mountain lions can leap up to 15 feet high and cover distances of up to 40 feet in one bound.
They are highly adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts.
Mountain lions are solitary animals, and males are highly territorial.

14. Griffon Vulture

Griffon vultures are large birds of prey found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They have a pale head, broad wings, and a short tail. They are known for their scavenging behavior, feeding primarily on carrion.

Height	37 to 43 inches (95 to 110 cm)
Weight	14 to 25 pounds (6.4 to 11.3 kg)
Region of Habitat	Europe, Asia, Africa
Scientific Name	Gyps fulvus
Place of Origin	Southern Europe, Northern Africa
Feeding Habits	Scavenger primarily feeds on carrion
What Sound They Make	Hissing, grunting

Fun Facts:

Griffon vultures have a wingspan of up to 9 feet, allowing them to soar effortlessly for long distances.
They have excellent eyesight and can spot a carcass from several kilometers away.
Griffon vultures play a crucial role in their ecosystem by cleaning up dead animals.

15. Musk Deer

Musk deer are small, solitary deer found in the mountainous forests of Asia. They are known for their elongated canine teeth and the musk gland in males, which is highly valued for its use in perfumes.

Height	20 to 28 inches (50 to 70 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	15 to 37 pounds (7 to 17 kg)
Region of Habitat	Asia
Scientific Name	Moschus
Place of Origin	Mountainous forests of Asia
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Whistle, bark

Fun Facts:

Male musk deer have elongated canine teeth that can grow up to 3 inches long.
They are excellent jumpers and can leap over obstacles with ease.
Musk deer are highly elusive and primarily nocturnal, making them difficult to study in the wild.

16. Wolverine

Wolverines are muscular, solitary mammals known for their strength and ferocity. They inhabit the northern boreal forests and mountainous regions of North America and Eurasia.

Height	14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	20 to 55 pounds (9 to 25 kg)
Region of Habitat	North America, Eurasia
Scientific Name	Gulo gulo
Place of Origin	Boreal forests and mountains of the Northern Hemisphere
Feeding Habits	Carnivorous
What Sound They Make	Growl, snarl

Fun Facts:

Wolverines have powerful jaws and sharp claws that allow them to crush bones and tear through frozen meat.
They have a keen sense of smell and can detect prey or carrion buried under deep snow.
Wolverines are known for their tenacity and can take down prey much larger than themselves.

17. Lynx

Lynx are medium-sized wild cats with distinctive tufted ears and a short tail. They inhabit the forests and mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.

Height	19 to 28 inches (48 to 71 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	18 to 64 pounds (8 to 29 kg)
Region of Habitat	Europe, Asia, North America
Scientific Name	Lynx
Place of Origin	Forests and mountains of the Northern Hemisphere
Feeding Habits	Carnivorous
What Sound They Make	Meow, growl, hiss

Fun Facts:

Lynx have large, padded paws that act like snowshoes, allowing them to walk on top of deep snow.
They have excellent night vision and are primarily nocturnal hunters.
Lynx are solitary animals, and they mark their territory with scent markings and vocalizations.

18. Himalayan Monal (Impeyan Pheasant)

The Himalayan monal, also known as the Impeyan pheasant, is a brightly colored bird found in the Himalayan forests. Males have iridescent plumage with hues of blue, green, and red, while females are more subdued in color.

Height	26 to 29 inches (66 to 74 cm)
Weight	3 to 5 pounds (1.4 to 2.3 kg)
Region of Habitat	Himalayan forests
Scientific Name	Lophophorus impejanus
Place of Origin	Himalayas
Feeding Habits	Omnivorous
What Sound They Make	Whistle, cackle

Fun Facts:

The male Himalayan monal’s colorful plumage makes it one of the most striking birds in the world.
They have strong legs and are capable of digging through snow to find food.
Himalayan monals are the national bird of Nepal.

19. Bharal (Blue Sheep)

Bharal, also known as blue sheep, are found in the high mountains of the Himalayas.

They have a bluish-gray coat that helps them blend into the rocky terrain.

Height	27 to 35 inches (69 to 89 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	77 to 165 pounds (35 to 75 kg)
Region of Habitat	Himalayas
Scientific Name	Pseudois nayaur
Place of Origin	Himalayan mountains
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Bleat

Fun Facts:

Bharal are excellent climbers and can navigate steep, rocky slopes with ease.
They have a unique adaptation in their hooves that provides a strong grip on rocky surfaces.
Bharal are social animals and often form large herds.

20. Markhor

Markhor are large wild goats found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. They are known for their impressive twisted horns, which can grow up to 5 feet long in males.

Height	26 to 45 inches (66 to 114 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	70 to 240 pounds (32 to 110 kg)
Region of Habitat	Central Asia
Scientific Name	Capra falconeri
Place of Origin	Mountain ranges of Central Asia
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Bleat, grunt

Fun Facts:

Markhor are skilled climbers and can navigate steep, rocky terrains with ease.
They have a keen sense of smell and can detect predators from a distance.
Markhor is the national animal of Pakistan.

21. Rock Hyrax

Rock hyraxes are small, herbivorous mammals found in Africa and the Middle East. They have a compact, rounded body, short legs, and a short tail. Despite their small size, they are closely related to elephants.

Height	8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) at the shoulder
Weight	4 to 12 pounds (1.8 to 5.4 kg)
Region of Habitat	Africa, Middle East
Scientific Name	Procavia capensis
Place of Origin	Rocky outcrops and cliffs in Africa and the Middle East
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Chirp, whistle, grunt

Fun Facts:

Rock hyraxes have specialized pads on their feet that help them grip rocky surfaces.
They live in colonies and use vocalizations to communicate with each other.
Rock hyraxes are closely related to elephants and manatees despite their small size.

22. Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture)

The lammergeier, also known as the bearded vulture, is a large bird of prey found in mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

It has a distinctive appearance, with a beard-like tuft of feathers on its chin.

Height	37 to 49 inches (95 to 125 cm)
Weight	10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 7 kg)
Region of Habitat	Europe, Asia, Africa
Scientific Name	Gypaetus barbatus
Place of Origin	Mountainous areas in Europe, Asia, and Africa
Feeding Habits	Scavenger primarily feeds on bones
What Sound They Make	Whistling, croaking

Fun Facts:

Lammergeiers have a wingspan of up to 9 feet, making them one of the largest birds of prey.
They are known for their unique feeding habit of dropping bones from great heights to break them open and access the marrow.
Lammergeiers have a distinctive appearance with a beard-like tuft of feathers on their chin.

23. Snowshoe Hare

Snowshoe hares are large, herbivorous mammals found in North America’s boreal forests and mountainous regions.

They are known for their large, fur-covered feet that help them move on top of deep snow.

Height	16 to 20 inches (41 to 51 cm)
Weight	2 to 4 pounds (0.9 to 1.8 kg)
Region of Habitat	North America
Scientific Name	Lepus americanus
Place of Origin	Boreal forests and mountains of North America
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Squeak, grunt

Fun Facts:

Snowshoe hares change color with the seasons, turning white in winter to blend in with the snow and brown in summer to blend in with the ground.
They have large, furry feet that act like snowshoes, helping them move on top of deep snow.
Snowshoe hares are an important prey species for many predators, including lynxes and owls.

24. Marmot

Marmots are large ground squirrels found in the mountainous regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.

They have a stout body, short legs, and a bushy tail. Marmots are known for their loud whistling calls.

Height	18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm)
Weight	10 to 18 pounds (4.5 to 8.2 kg)
Region of Habitat	North America, Europe, Asia
Scientific Name	Marmota
Place of Origin	Mountainous regions of North America, Europe, and Asia
Feeding Habits	Herbivorous
What Sound They Make	Whistle

Fun Facts:

Marmots hibernate for up to 8 months a year in burrows that they dig themselves.
They have a social structure and live in colonies with a dominant pair.
Marmots use their sharp claws to dig complex burrow systems.

25. Ring-tailed Lemur

Ring-tailed lemurs are small primates found in the mountainous regions of Madagascar.

They have distinctive black and white rings on their tails and are known for their social behavior.

Height	15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm)
Weight	5 to 7 pounds (2.3 to 3.2 kg)
Region of Habitat	Madagascar
Scientific Name	Lemur catta
Place of Origin	Mountainous regions of Madagascar
Feeding Habits	Omnivorous
What Sound They Make	Meow, purr, grunt

Fun Facts:

Ring-tailed lemurs use their long tails for balance and communication.
They are highly social animals and live in groups called troops.
Ring-tailed lemurs spend a lot of time on the ground, unlike most other lemur species.

26. Black Bear

Black bears are medium-sized bears found in the forests and mountainous regions of North America.

They have a stocky build, short tails, and black fur, though some can have brown or cinnamon-colored fur.

Height	2.5 to 3 feet (0.76 to 0.91 meters) at the shoulder
Weight	200 to 600 pounds (91 to 272 kg)
Region of Habitat	North America
Scientific Name	Ursus americanus
Place of Origin	Forests and mountains of North America
Feeding Habits	Omnivorous
What Sound They Make	Growl, grunt, snort

Fun Facts:

Black bears are excellent climbers and can often be found in trees.
They have a keen sense of smell and can detect food from miles away.
Black bears are generally solitary animals, except for females with cubs or during mating season.

Final Words

Whoa! What a wild ride through the world of mountain animals! We’ve climbed high and low to discover these awesome altitude experts.

From the sneaky snow leopard to the whistling marmot, our list of mountain animals shows just how creative nature can be.

These incredible creatures remind us that you can make a home just about anywhere with the right skills and courage – even on the chilliest, rockiest mountain peaks!

So the next time you see a tall mountain on TV or in a book, remember it’s not just a big pile of rocks.

It’s a sky-high home to some of the coolest animals on Earth! Keep exploring, young wildlife detectives, because the mountains are full of more amazing animal secrets waiting to be discovered!