McKendrick Mountain Report #2 Dec 24 2021

This second report is the result of six observation sessions in December 2021 at locations on the Babine Lake Road. The final tally of the goat population has changed from six to seven. It will take many more observation sessions to verify the population numbers. The herd is spending most time in the trees where it is difficult to see all goats at the same time.
So far the herd has spent most of the time at the top of the forest where there is browse, forage and protection from strong winds in the open alpine. The herd has two favourite ridges and travel back and forth between the ridges. The ridge areas are very small - about 200 meters by 100 meters. The wind keeps the snow packed enough to allow the goats to keep trails packed and open. They either feed on forage at the base of bare rock or on balsam needles on small trees.
The snow in the high alpine is deeper than normal for this time of year. More wind may be necessary to scour the snow and make the alpine forage available for the goats.