Distinctive hook-shaped horns distinguish chamois.
Remarkably agile, it can gallop on uneven, rocky ground and jump up to six feet (2 m) high.
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Its nimbleness and acrobatics give it access to hard-to-reach areas, easing competition for the grasses, herbs, and flowers it prefers to eat.
In winter when food is scarce, it dines on pine shoots, lichens, and mosses.
Males live a solitary life; they are territorial and fight for a harem at mating time.
Females and young usually form herds of five to thirty members.
A posted sentinel warns the others of danger by stamping its feet and emitting a high-pitched whistle through its nose.
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