Being excellent climbers, the Ibex will climb the sheer vertical face of the dam's wall using the small protruding boulders as foothold to lick ettringite off the wall's surface. The Ibex can scale such great heights because of their soft, split hooves that can grip any surface like a pincer.

Why can Ibex climb?

The reason why Ibex climb dams is rather easy: they are looking for salt. The Ibex's herbivorous diet is lacking in salt, especially calcium salts. ... Compared with other ungulates, Ibex are extraordinary climbers, perfectly adapted to steep slopes thanks to the particular shape of their cloven hooves.

Do mountain goats ever fall off cliffs?

Yes, mountain goats do fall but occasionally, either when get engaged in fighting or see a predator following. Mountain goats rarely fall off from losing balance. The well-defined hooves, skinny body, rubbery pads, and body position saves them from falling down the cliff.