Why do elk and mountain goats migrate between high and low elevations in the Rocky Mountains?

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map of western North America — Rocky Mountains Physical features of western North America.

In the Rocky Mountains, elk and mountain goats migrate between high and low elevations primarily to adapt to the region's highly seasonal climate.

During the summer months, these animals inhabit high-altitude areas such as alpine meadows and rugged crags, where they take advantage of the brief but productive growing season when food is abundant. As winter approaches and heavy snowpack covers these high-elevation zones, the animals migrate to lower slopes and subalpine forests. This vertical migration allows them to escape the harsh conditions of the alpine environment and access more hospitable areas where food is more accessible during the winter months.123