Food Habits of Mountain Goats, Mule Deer, and Cattle on Chopaka Mountain, Washington, 1977-1980

Abstract

The seasonal food habits of mountain goats, mule deer, and cattle on Chopaka Mountain, Wash., (1977-1980) were determined by fecal analysis. Graminoids represented 84% of the fall diet of cattle, the only period when cattle occurred within the mountain goat range. Mountain goats utilized graminoids (42%) and shrubs (31%) primarily; whereas, mule deer consumed shrubs (45%) and conifers (29%). Dietary overlap was greatest between mt. goats and mule deer (37%) and mt. goats and cattle (32%), and minimal between mule deer and cattle (15%). Considerable intra- and inter-seasonal variation was experienced for all 3 species.