iN PHOTOS: Mountain goats perched on rock faces a special sight in Summerland

Woolly, white mountain goats are found in the mountain ranges of western Canada and the northwestern United States, and a common place to see them is along Highway 97 between Peachland and Summerland.

Local wildlife lovers, and travellers passing along the main route, can spot nannies, billies and kids navigating the rocky slopes throughout the year.

The goats are known for their unique ability to traverse rocky terrain and almost vertical slopes. They have short legs that are close together that give them a centre of gravity close to the ground, according to the provincial government. Their massive forequarters and developed shoulder muscles allow them to climb up rocks, while their narrow bodies allow them to move along the slimmest of edges.

Their cloven hooves are specialized for traction on rocky, slippery terrain and can spread to distribute weight.

The goats have black horns that grow up to 30 centimetres long and never shed, with growth rings on them that can be counted to give their age.

There are roughly 60,000 mountain goats in BC living on most mountain ranges, and they can often be spotted in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

They are not listed as endangered, but are blue listed as species because of habitat loss due to human activity.

The mating season took place in fall and kids will start arriving in May.

These spectacular photos taken in Summerland this winter include nannies, billies and a yearling.